The night offers an amazing platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect with the public. A recent example from December 29, 2022, on Dublin’s bustling Grafton Street perfectly illustrates this.
In the video from that evening, you can see an artist performing in a busy city centre public space. People move freely in the background, some stopping to listen, others simply passing by — all engaging with the music in their own way. Three performers shared the space, playing part-time gigs with donations collected in cash and via Revolut.
Beyond the music, this scene adds aesthetic and emotional value to the public experience. It raises a simple but compelling question: can we estimate the revenue such artists might generate, even in informal settings?
Let’s give it a try.
An average performance lasts about 10 minutes.
Around 50 people are present at any given moment.
If 20% (roughly 10 people) donate an average of €5 each, that’s €50 per 10-minute set.
If this momentum is maintained over a 2-hour period, with artists varying songs and keeping the audience engaged, that could translate to roughly €600 in total, or €200 per artist.
This is a rough guesstimate, but it highlights the potential earnings artists might generate during peak seasons like Christmas and New Year, when people are more willing to spend.
Several factors contribute to this opportunity:
The relaxed, festive atmosphere encourages generosity.
The congregation of people in busy, high-footfall locations.
The ability of artists to connect emotionally with passersby.
However, the model also faces challenges:
Artists may not always know the best spots to perform.
The collection of donations can be inconsistent and cumbersome.
There is no formal system supporting or regulating street performances.
This points to a clear need for support mechanisms:
A publicly available list of approved performance spots.
Streamlined collection methods (digital payments, voluntary donation models).
Community agreements between artists, local authorities, and venue owners.
Could cities formalize this to streamline street performances and better support night-time artists? Would such a system enable more consistent income while preserving the spontaneity that makes street art special?
What else might artists need to thrive in the night economy? Access to permits? Security? Promotion?
These are important questions for researchers and policymakers interested in the night economy’s growth. Street artists are more than entertainers — they contribute to the cultural fabric and economic vibrancy of urban nights.
Supporting them could unlock new economic possibilities and enrich the shared urban experience after dark.