
Investment in the arts works. Australia has an arts and related industries with an $8 billion contribution to the economy, and a growing reputation as an innovative and creative nation. Australians enjoy and participate in the arts with 15.9 million attendances at performances a year, and over 2.3 million of these are at an AMPAG company show.
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 $281.5 million.
There were 145 performing arts venue operators, running 189 venues with a total of 271 performing arts spaces at end June 2007; they:
During 2006-07, businesses/organisations predominantly involved in performing arts operation generated $733.4 million in income. The main source of income for these performing arts operations was box office income ($356 million), which accounted for just under half (48.5%) of total income.
Government funding accounted for 23.7% (or $173.8 million) of total income, and contract performance fees 9% (or $66.2 million).
Tracking Changes in Corporate Sponsorship and Private Donations 2011 (634 KB)
For brief highlights of AMPAG companies performing around the world in 2011 see International.
The 28 major performing arts companies build an identity for Australia
internationally as a sophisticated, intelligent and culturally rich
nation. The MPA companies performed 114 times in 18 countries in 2010 including Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Australia, England, Scotland, United States of America, Japan, China, France and Slovenia.
Download AMPAG's Key Messages documents:
*The subsidised performing arts companies are Key Organisations and Major Performing Arts Companies funded in part by the Australia Council.