T.I.P.S. stands for Totally Impromptu Performance Series, a busking program in Pioneer Park. Busking is when performing artists perform in a public space for voluntary donations. Through the T.I.P.S. program, performing artists can become registered buskers inside Pioneer Park, a Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation site visited by thousands of locals and visitors annually. 

1. Fill out the T.I.P.S. Performer Registration Form
2. A Fairbanks Arts staff member will review your registration and contact you with a status update about your submission. Because Pioneer Park is a family-friendly, multigenerational destination, vetting performing artists is an important part of the program’s continuation and Fairbanks Arts Association’s partnership with FNSB Parks & Recreation. 
3. Once your registration has been approved, visit Fairbanks Arts’ office on the 1st floor of the AK Centennial Center for the Arts to pick up your T.I.P.S. performer badge and information packet. This can occur on or before the day of your first performance during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 12-6 p.m. The Centennial Center for the Arts is located inside Pioneer Park, at 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701)
4. Once you have your badge and information packet (which includes a map of acceptable performance locations within the park), have fun making some music in the park! Please note: You must wear the T.I.P.S. performer badge to identify you as a vetted program participant whenever you perform in Pioneer Park.

Once you have received a confirmation email from a Fairbanks Arts staff member that your program registration has been approved: 

• Read the program rules as well as Pioneer Park’s rules and regulations to support your success as a performing artist and representative of the T.I.P.S. program and Fairbanks Arts Association while busking
• Use this scheduling form to select up to three (3) dates & times you would like to perform. Not only is this important for ensuring both Fairbanks Arts and Pioneer Park staff are aware of your performances, but it also assists Fairbanks Arts in promoting that you will be performing! We want as many performances as possible this summer, so please feel free to submit this form multiple times to schedule yourself as many busking opportunities as you reasonably expect to fulfill. If you need to cancel any scheduled performances, please email laura@fairbanksarts.org ASAP.
• Review the Park Reservation Calendar to ensure there is not a conflicting reservation prior to your arrival. If you encounter any issues with facilities, please urgently report all relevant information to Fairbanks Arts staff at 907.251.8386 ext. 4. Checking this calendar is important, as event reservations change often!
• Stop by the Fairbanks Arts office to grab your badge and performer information packet, which includes park rules and regulations and a map of acceptable performance locations.

When 

You can busk in Pioneer Park throughout the summer. After Labor Day – Pioneer Park concludes its ‘summer season’ and goes back to its winter schedule, which typically reduces foot traffic through the park, but you can continue to perform in the fall.

Official Gold Rush Town hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, which is a great window for performances! While you can perform before or after this window, please know there may be fewer visitors in the park. 

Limitations: Pioneer Park hosts a variety of events throughout the summer. For some events, such as scheduled Pioneer Park events, weddings, celebrations of life, etc., we ask that T.I.P.S. performers do not busk on those days. Performers are requested to look at the Park Reservation Calendar to ensure there is not a reservation prior to their arrival. 

Where

Select locations within Pioneer Park where T.I.P.S. performers can set up, and busk are outlined on a map provided to each registered performing artist. Each location is in an area where there is likely to be foot traffic and visitation without being too close to buildings where vendors conduct business.

Limitations: Please note that Pioneer Park is a busy place during the summer with vendors’ businesses and organized events and activities. Reservation of spaces through Pioneer Park can happen quickly, so if you are approached by a Pioneer Park or Fairbanks Arts staff member or by an individual claiming they have reserved the area for an event, please courteously relocate your performance to one of the other designated areas on your T.I.P.S. performance locations map.