This survey was done in Atlanta's Street Stage Festival in 2007, I plucked out a few questions that I really enjoyed reading. Notice that in question number 6, magic is the most desired performance, along with juggling/circus skills. Also, notice in question number 9 that no one said street performers are annoying and that many people said it made the city more appealing. Makes me think about all those people in New York trying to restrict or outlaw street performers.

http://streetstageatlanta.com/buskerlink.html

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6. What is your favorite type of street performance?
jugglers/circus skills 56.3%
magic 56.3%
acrobats 50.0%
musicians 44.8%
comics 42.7%
clowns 32.3%
b boys / break dancers 32.3%
mimes 31.3%
storytellers 30.2%
spoken word 28.1%

6a. What would you like to see?
Magic, fire, stilt walkers, violins and classical players, break dancers,
acrobats, conceptual performance art, dancing women,
Madonnari street painting, spoken word, animal acts...

"More events through the year better than anything on TV;
greatest form of entertainment I have ever seen."

"Everything, music the most."

7. Did this experience change your impression of street performance?
-yes, for better 62.5%
-yes, for worse 0.0%
-no change 26.0%
-I always enjoy watching street performers. 58.3%
-I think street performers are con artists. 3.1%
-I think successful street performers have skills and are artists. 76.0%
-I think street performers are not good enough for the stage. 3.1%
-Street performers are in it just for the money. 4.2%
-Street performers are beginners honing their skills. 11.5%

8. What do you think street performance does for a city's street?
-I feel safe in an audience group near a street performance. 74.1%
-I would not feel any safer near a street performance. 4.9%
-Street performers attract pickpockets and undesirables. 2.5%
-Street performance encourages community and hospitality. 76.5%
-To me buskers....
"...bring life and enjoyment."

"...are hard working."

"...are in it for the money. Yes, and why not? It is a skill!"

"I have never seen street performers before, I'm hooked!
I can't wait to share this with my family!"

"...enhance the city street. To me, buskers are great."

"...are people trying to make a living."

"...are artists."

"...are necessary in a vibrant city."

9. Did this experience change your opinion of Atlanta?
-yes, for better 51.8%
-yes, for worse 0.0%
-no 31.8%
-I think street performers are annoying. 0.0%
-I think Atlanta is more appealing with street performances. 61.2%
-I think Atlanta is "arts friendly." 67.1%
-I feel that Atlanta is too tolerant. 2.4%
-Atlanta is very welcoming to visitors. 51.8%
-Other (please specify)
"It's getting a little better; very welcoming."

"New to Atlanta. Good intro!"

"Arts friendly...not enough. Welcoming...somewhat."

"Hope to see more of this hospitality soon.
Yes, it's welcoming when you see something of this magnitude."

"Welcoming, yes, except transportation."

"Yes, more appealing, just like New York."

"More welcoming to visitors than residents."