Live Performance Australia has released the results of its annual Ticket Attendance & Revenue Survey for 2016, showing that the Australian live performance industry — while not without its struggles — is still alive and well.
Last year saw the overall sector post $1.43 billion in revenue, slightly up on 2015's result of $1.41b, across ticket issues of 18.78 million (17.09m of which were paid for), the highest number since 2008 and an increase on last year's 18.63 million tickets issued.
There was a broader decline in ticket prices, too, with the average price falling 3 per cent to $83.72 (down from $86.34), while attendance across the board rose 0.8 per cent on 2015's results.
The categories of Contemporary Music and Musical Theatre are once again the greatest contributors to the outcome, being respectively responsible for 30.8 per cent and 24.3 per cent of revenue, and a combined attendance rate of 47.7 per cent, or 8.96 million people.
The good news is contextual, however, as overall revenue was higher in both 2013 and 2014 than it was last year, aided by significant international tours and higher ticket prices.
More good news comes from the Comedy branch of the industry, which saw its highest-ever revenue and attendance outcomes in 2016 — and the largest year-on-year increase of all categories — representing respective growth in both areas of 57.3 per cent and 42 per cent since 2015, and 118 per cent and 83.8 per cent since 2008.
The three categories account for 61.1 per cent of all industry revenue. Meanwhile, Classical Music, which accounts for 5.4 per cent of revenue and 6.5 per cent of attendance, saw significant upticks in its revenue (36.1 per cent) and attendance (22.7 per cent), its best results since 2008 and 2012, respectively.
“These figures underscore the economic and cultural value of the live performance industry for millions of Australians," LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson said in a statement. "The need for increased investment in the performing arts has never been greater.
"The survey results also support recent customer spending data that shows more Australians are spending their hard earned cash on ‘meaningful experiences’ such as concert tickets and the theatre. Our research reaffirms the important contribution that live performance makes to the national culture and the creative economy."
One area that experienced a particularly difficult year is that of Festivals, which saw a 25.2 per cent decline in revenue, spurred by a 48.2 per cent drop in attendance, something LPA credits to the loss of major events such as Future Music Festival and Stereosonic. In the face of trying figures, ticket prices actually rose by 6.7 per cent to hit an average of $85.35.
“We have access to a wide array of high-quality local and international performances, which the report shows Australians truly value and enjo," Richardson said. "However, if Australia is going to continue to compete globally, to satisfy both Australian audiences and attract international tourists, we need to ensure we invest more, not less, in creating local product that is world-class.
"Instead, the last few years have seen funding cuts, our small to medium sector massively impacted, and very little indication that government is prepared to deliver on its vision for innovation and jobs growth in our sector.
"We strongly believe that the government needs to step up and support greater investment in our industry which creates jobs, employs more than 34,000 people, generates significant economic activity and enriches the cultural lives of millions of Australians."
At a state level, NSW and Victoria lead the pack in terms of per capita spend and attendance (although Victoria experienced a slight decline in the latter stakes) while Tasmania enjoyed the greatest rate of growth and attendance (38.5 per cent and 13.7 per cent, respectively) aided by performances staged by Cirque Du Soleil.
Meanwhile, Queensland, the ACT and Northern Territory all saw declines in both revenue and attendance, while WA and SA experienced a drop in revenue but a rise in overall attendance.
You can read the full report at Live Performance Australia's website.
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