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52/2008
Performing arts generate $733 million in income: ABS
Australia's performing arts earned $733.4 million during 2006-07, according to
figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The main sources of income for Australia's 726 performing arts
businesses/organisations were box office takings (49%) and government funding
(24%).
Performing Arts
employed 6,569 people at the end of June 2007. Nearly half were employed as
performing artists (3,249 people).
gave 43,460 paid performances, with over 12 million people paying to attend
various live theatrical or musical presentations during 2006-07. Drama
productions had the highest attendance, at just over a quarter (26%) of the
total.
New South Wales accounted for half of total income and 38% of paid
attendances.
Performing arts venue operators
There were 145 performing arts venue operators, running 189 venues with a total of
271 performing arts spaces at end June 2007; they:
generated $494 million in income; government funding accounted for just over
one-third of this ($166 million).
hosted 20,819 performances - drama productions made up nearly a third (30%)
of all performances, followed by musical theatre (15%).
Victoria had nearly a third (31%) of all performing arts spaces.
Further details are in Performing Arts, Australia, 2006-07 (cat. no. 8697.0).
Media Note: Performing arts businesses/organisations are those which were mainly
engaged in providing live theatrical or musical presentations (including popular
music, theatre, opera, ballet and drama). Performing arts and performing arts venue
operators are distinct topics and should be reported separately.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Media requests and interviews
Richard Lynch (02) 6252 6139; 0407 107 931
Ilona Fraser (02) 6252 7480; 0418 202 580
Statistical clarification
Sophie Vassiliou (03) 9615 7442; 0409 993 104
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