While we put a lot of focus on the folks at the MTA, making a better subway experience isn’t just the work of “other people” - we all have a stake and play a part in a better subway environment. And if fact, you have more right than you might think to play a part.
Thanks to the 1st amendment, you have a right to speak and perform in the NYC subway system AND even get paid for it collect donations.
Many say the downfall of our economy will bring the upswing of our creativity, so for all the starving artists out there - this includes you Miss/Mister “I wanna move to New York and become a writer/poet/artist/photographer/painter/ballerina but instead took the first job the city had to offer” - the time has come. The walls of the cubicle have crumbled: artists run free! Besides, what do you have to lose?
According to MTA regulations “public speaking; campaigning; leafletting or distribution of written noncommercial materials; activities intended to encourage and facilitate voter registration; artistic performances, including the acceptance of donations; solicitation for religious or political causes;…” ARE allowed! No permission required, and for all of these you absolutely CAN ask for a DONATION.
So what will it be? Your writings? Your music? Your art? Will you be brave enought to share your beauty and insights? Whether or not you make money, you’ll emerge a freer person, and the subways will have been livlier for it.
Give a thought to how you can bring a little more New York into our subways, how you can ease or inspire the trips of others. Just before you do, check out the excellent City Lore performer’s guides: 1, 2, and remember to be considerate!
