Performing Arts

Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Photo: Greg Barrett.

The Performing Arts in Australia

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' most recent study on performing arts in June 2007, there were 726 performing arts operation businesses/organisations in Australia. These businesses/organisations were mainly engaged in providing live theatrical or musical presentations (including popular music production, theatre production, opera, ballet and drama).

Total industry value added by these businesses/organisations was $281.5m.

During 2006-07, businesses/organisations predominantly involved in performing arts operation generated $733.4m in income.

The main source of income for these businesses/organisations was box office income ($356m), which accounted for just under half (48.5%) of total income.

Government funding accounted for 23.7% (or $173.8m) of total income, and contract performance fees 9% (or $66.2m).

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.

On the International Stage

The 28 major performing arts companies build an identity for Australia internationally as a sophisticated, intelligent and culturally rich nation. The MPA companies performed more than 200 times in 19 countries in 2008, with international presentations growing by 17%.  Together they undertook 203 international performances in 19 countries including Austria, Brunei, Canada, China, England France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Laos, Luxemburg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, Slovenia, Thailand, The Phillipines, USA and Wales.

For a very brief highlight of companies performing around the world in 2009 and 2010 see our International page.

We are ENRICHING OUR CULTURE
We are BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES
We are touring INTERNATIONALLY
We are performing ACROSS AUSTRALIA
We are AWARD WINNING COMPANIES