8697.0 - Performing Arts, Australia, 1999-2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/09/2001   
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MEDIA RELEASE

September 26, 2001
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
120/2001
Performing Arts generate $1.6 billion in income

During 1999-2000, Australian performing arts industries earned $1,634m in total income according to a publication released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The publication, Performing Arts Industries, Australia, found music and theatre production organisations generated $505m, followed by the performing arts venues businesses ($316m); and performing arts festivals of greater than 2 days duration ($103m). Other services to the arts businesses such as ticketing agency operators, casting agency operators, costume designers, etc generated income of $710m.

Total expenses for the performing arts industries was $1,584m. The major individual expense items in these industries were wages and salaries ($364m) and contract payments to performers, artists and production companies ($166m). Other significant expenses incurred by the performing arts industries were rent leasing and hiring expenses ($96m) and advertising, marketing and promotion expenses ($90m).

Overall the operating profit before tax for the performing arts industries was $50.4m, which represented an operating profit margin of 4.8 per cent.

Other findings from the publication include:
  • box office takings accounted for $461m while government funding contributed $470m to the income bottom line;
  • there were 1,437 employing organisations in the performing arts industries;
  • these organisations employed 16,429 people at the end of June 2000;
  • a further 20,752 people worked as volunteers, comprising 17,718 volunteers who worked for performing arts festivals during their operation, and 3,034 volunteers who worked during June 2000 for organisations in the music and theatre production industry;
  • out of the 15.2 million in paid attendances during 1999-2000, the great majority were for a musical or theatrical production (13.3 million); and,
  • the musical and theatre production industry presented 47,083 paid performances during 1999-2000.

Further details are found in Performing Arts Industries, Australia, 1999-2000 (cat. no. 8697.0). If you wish to purchase a copy of this publication contact the ABS Bookshop in your capital city.