Average attendance per performance at all performing arts performances

What it measures

Dimension: Participation

This indicator reports the average number of people in attendance at each performing arts performance in Canada during the past year. Opportunities to attend performances have decreased steadily over the past decade. Although attendance decreased along with the number of performances between 2001 and 2004 (average 325 persons per performance), there was a renewed interest of Canadians in attending performances in 2006 (average 340 persons per performance). This dropped again following the 2008 economic downturn, and has just recently begun to stabilize.

Why this matters

Attending community arts performances can have a direct, positive influence on the wellbeing of audience members. As well, many Canadians report that having art-based performance opportunities within their community strengthens the community as a whole.

Data sources

Further information:
The Value of Presenting: study of performing arts presentation in Canada (PDF) 

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