Tough economic conditions are impacting Queensland audiences, with a recent survey indicating a decreased spend on attending arts and cultural events.
Arts Queensland’s 2023 Audience Outlook Monitor showed that while audiences across the state had returned to post-Covid levels, an individual’s overall spend had reduced.
Under 35s, while attending frequently, were spending the least, stating concerns about the economic outlook.
It was the same message from audiences aged 35-54 with children living at home, who were the least likely to attend a cultural activity due to managing pressures on family budgets.
Bucking the trend were audiences over 55, who were spending the most on cultural events, with their spending growing.
Overall, the report suggested big increases in audiences were unlikely over the next 12 months, with 67% of respondents predicting their attendance would stay the same.
While four in 10 Queenslanders stated financial reasons as the main barrier to attending events, 32% were ‘prioritising other things’ in their lives and 30% said there was a lack of appealing events.
The report said Queensland audiences were looking for inexpensive things to do, but also had a strong desire for a wide range of content in uplifting experiences, with 79% looking for “fun, uplifting things”, 68% guided by great reviews and 62% influenced by big name artists and performers.
Last-minute decision-making persists in Queensland, with four in 10 booking less than two weeks out, including 11% on the day of the event.
The report suggests that audiences are hesitant to book in advance because they are unsure if they will be able to make it due to illness, work, study commitments and other ad hoc commitments that may arise.
The Audience Outlook Monitor is an international study tracking how audiences feel about attending arts and culture events.
