NYC Council passes ‘Open Culture’ program that lets performers stage outdoor shows The City Council passed a bill Thursday enabling artists to perform on the streets of New York. Under the new “Open Culture” program sponsored by Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Queens), artists will be able to apply for permits to stage ticketed shows outdoors. The program, modeled on the city’s popular outdoor dining program, is set to take effect March 1. “The joy that comes from everyday New Yorkers listening to music, dancing to music, hearing comedy, listening to opera has been virtually shut off completely,” Van Bramer said at an online press conference.