Association of Performing Arts Professionals featured a webinar today reporting on the results of a survey they conducted about the state of the performing arts. Regrettably, I missed it but they posted many slides on Twitter today. The study they conducted last month is meant to provide a baseline against which to assess how things are developing going into the future.
One of the first slides to catch my attention addressed ticket sales. We have been wondering if our sales numbers were reflected by the nation as a whole. Sure enough, in terms of single ticket sales, numbers are down and only 52% of audiences reported buying tickets in late January/early February. (This may be a factor of supply of performances to view as it is demand, however.)
Single ticket sales are even further behind. While we are reopening, we are doing so slowly. Only 52% of audiences report having made purchases in last January/early February #reopening #performingarts @MellonFdn #music #dance #theater #artsforward pic.twitter.com/rihKYwfcd4
— APAP (@APAP365) March 1, 2022
In another post, they reported subscriptions are down as well. Really, neither of these datapoints are of great surprise to me given how the state of the pandemic has fluctuated. They also noted many organizations are offering non-ticketed content to keep audiences engaged.
Audience support of mask and vaccine mandates at performances was strong.
Referencing Audience Outlook Monitor @AMSarts study, support for vaccinated-only admittance policy remains high. #reopening #performingarts @MellonFdn #music #dance #theater #artsforward pic.twitter.com/VdFQfAfDXX
— APAP (@APAP365) March 1, 2022
Also of interest was the news that arts professionals are returning to work, but are much more mindful of a work-life balance. There are concerns about being able to fully staff positions with qualified individuals due to worker expectations and people leaving the field or being lured away by better work environment and compensation.
There appears to be a fundamental shift in expectations among arts workers, for the better. Concerns have risen around #worklifebalance, working conditions and increased compensation. #reopening #performingarts @MellonFdn #music #dance #theater #artsforward pic.twitter.com/qbjMP0QxgE
— APAP (@APAP365) March 1, 2022
