Le Figaro Nice
Passers-by on Place Masséna, Avenue Centrale Jean-Médecin, Quai des États-Unis or strollers at the market in the Liberation district, are used to it. They meet various street artists, whether they are singers, musicians or even dancers. These troupes and soloists are allowed to perform in Nice. A 2020 decree grants them locations and time slots. They must also vary the places reserved by the city to avoid fatigue. About fifty itinerants, selected in advance by a jury of the town hall, can thus exercise their art by matching the atmosphere of the Riviera.
Since the Easter holidays, the situation no longer seems to be under control. The grievances of residents and merchants are multiplying at City Hall. Catering professionals say they are exasperated by the noises, which are getting louder and louder because of more sophisticated speakers. The municipality of Nice wishes to review its decree dedicated to street artists. The first deputy mayor in charge of security, Anthony Borré, simply plans to ban splitters and other electric sound systems by this summer. "We have always been anxious to organize the public domain in a coherent way, explains Christian Estrosi's right-hand man. But some have taken largesse, so we will review the regulations."
Congestion and gatherings
In addition to his desire to ban enclosures, Anthony Borré wants to review the assigned locations. It evokes, for example, a clutter on the checkerboards of the Place Masséna, with on one side a singer and his musicians and on the other dancers with a powerful sound system. It also creates crowds. "We want street artists to be able to perform but also that restorers can work properly, continues the elected official. Customers on the terrace can no longer enjoy the setting as it should. We have to find a balance, the system has to be reviewed."
He also indicates that the municipal police will be mobilized. For now, artists can continue to use speakers but the ambition is to unplug them by the summer. "In some Italian cities, artists manage to perform and make themselves known without sound," says Anthony Borré.
