A new pilot program in Shanghai now licensing street artists. Artists participating in the program said they are ready to hit the streets. Zhou Jie of the International Channel of Shanghai reports for CCTV America.

Shanghai performer Lu Xinyi will be giving his crystal ball show at a downtown shopping mall for a month, and he no longer needs to worry about being chased away by city officials or security guards.

“If someone comes up to me, I can tell him I am certified. I am a real artist,” said Lu Xinyi. “I really enjoy performing on the street. The street is also a stage. We perform for everyone passing by.”

Lu is among the first eight street artists to be given city licenses. Their specialties include handicrafts, singing and magic. The Shanghai Performance Trade Association selected them over the past year, and provided training from experts.

The licenses need to be renewed every month, every three months, or even every six months, said chairman Wei Zhi of the Shanghai Performance Trade Association.

“We will check on his talent and whether his image is suitable to be on the street,” Wei said.

Officials said the pilot program will help them set up a comprehensive management system for all Shanghai street artists.