Bengaluru traffic
Credit: DH Photo/B K Janardhan
Global pop sensation Ed Sheeran was recently halted midway through a rendition of Shape of You on Bengaluru’s Church Street. The singer who started his musical journey as a busker was giving a surprise street performance. Much to the dismay of the crowd, police officials abruptly stopped the performance. The singer claimed later that the performance was disrupted despite all necessary permissions being in place. Police officials told the media that the permission was sought but not granted for security reasons.
This is not the first such episode. Bengaluru, often celebrated for its vibrant cultural landscape and progressive ethos, has recently found itself at the centre of controversies involving public spaces and cultural expression. In December last year, Cubbon Reads, a beloved peaceful community initiative, faced an unexpected setback when authorities seized books and asked participants to vacate Cubbon Park. The incident triggered a social media outrage highlighting the fragile imbalance between civic administration and cultural activities in public spaces like parks and streets.
The recent incidents in Bengaluru have sparked widespread debate and raised questions about the city’s readiness to host global performances. While on one hand, they do not cast the global tech hub in good light, they also reveal a concerning trend where opportunities for dialogue and nuance are often overshadowed by rigid enforcement or bureaucratic hurdles. There are reasons why a city’s cultural landscape holds significance. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the concert economy and its ripple effect. Look at Ahmedabad, which hosted a two-day Coldplay concert averaging 1.11 lakh attendees each night. The state government estimates it generated business of over Rs 300 crore over those two days. Led by the young, as the experience economy grows, music tourism is thriving. In 2024, according to BookMyShow, over 4.77 lakh fans travelled to other cities to attend 30,687 live events. Beyond jobs and economic benefits, cultural vibrancy has a direct impact on the quality of life in a city. It helps nurture local culture, offers an enabling environment for local artists to showcase their talent and build a more rounded brand for the city.
Incidents like Ed Sheeran’s risk alienating creative communities while tarnishing the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and cultural exchange. UnboxingBLR Foundation has conducted two editions of BLR Hubba, an annual cultural festival featuring 500-odd events including free-to-attend live music performances in public parks. None of this has been easy – there have been many disruptions, cancellations and schedule changes. The learnings from these challenges have been immense.
Expecting a single entity to grant blanket permissions is unrealistic. Events in public spaces necessitate engaging with multiple stakeholders including resident associations, commercial establishments, government bodies, BBMP, police, local MLAs, and even road or park users. Getting the range of permissions is painstaking but essential. When we kicked off the Church Street facelift under the Namma Raste, Namma Koduge project, scepticism was high among residents and businesses but a candid, on-ground meeting with stakeholders shifted their perspective.
Prepare for the unknown
Securing written permissions and maintaining multiple contact points within various stakeholder groups helps in ensuring quick resolution of issues. A mere power supply glitch or an irate local resident is enough to derail an event. The organisers need to be prepared for changes on the ground in line with rapidly evolving situations.
At a recent series of concerts at the BBMP’s Freedom Park, despite full alignment with the authorities and attendees, a nearby institution raised objections. A quick, face-to-face discussion with their team helped realign them with the event’s purpose. Public events come with inherent unpredictability. A proactive approach, coupled with contingency planning, can make the difference between a successful event and one marred by unforeseen disruptions. Being ready to respond effectively to surprises – from sudden weather changes to unexpected stakeholder resistance – is imperative to managing events in public spaces.
For Bengaluru to continue thriving as a cultural epicentre, there must be a concerted effort to bridge the gap between civic authorities and creative communities. Clear communication, mutual respect, and an understanding of the diverse interests at play can help in developing an environment where cultural expression flourishes without unnecessary hindrance.
The recent challenges serve as a reminder that while public spaces belong to all, their management requires a balanced and inclusive approach. By learning from these experiences, Bengaluru can reaffirm its commitment to being a city that champions both civic order and cultural vibrancy.
(The writer is the CEO of UnboxingBLR Foundation, a Bengaluru-focused not-for-profit platform)