This study explores the lived experiences of street musicians in the metropolis of Tehran and examines their role in shaping urban spaces. The central premise is that street music, beyond being merely a recreational or livelihood activity, constitutes a dynamic and influential urban ecosystem shaped by economic, social, and cultural forces. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on fifty semi-structured interviews with key actors in this field, conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring the validity and reliability of the findings.



The results reveal that the lived experiences of street musicians manifest across three interrelated dimensions: economic, social, and cultural. Economically, income-generation processes, financial challenges inherent to informal activities, and legal and institutional risks affect the sustainability of their practices. Socially, street music fosters spontaneous human interactions and forms fluid, temporary communities that enhance the sense of place among both performers and audiences. Culturally, musicians play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s distinctive soundscape and in reproducing the identity of urban spaces. These dimensions are organically intertwined, positioning street music as a vital urban ecosystem that—despite structural constraints—contributes to improving the quality of public life and the production of urban space.



Using scenario planning based on intuitive logic, the study proposes five potential pathways for the future development of street music in Tehran and underscores the necessity of transitioning toward people-centered and place-based policy approaches. This research advances theoretical understanding while offering strategic insights for cultural policy and urban planning.