Queensland data

The July 2021 Queensland Snapshot Report draws on the insights of 1,595 Queensland audience members and was collected from 7 to 11 July 2021. The draft collection period followed the Queensland June to July snap lockdown.

In early July, most Queensland audience members had attended a cultural event in-person – but outbreaks continue to complicate attendance.

• Six in 10 Queenslanders or 61 per cent of Queensland audience members had attended an arts or cultural event in the two weeks prior to data collection, down from March 2021 (69%). 
• At the time of data collection, two-thirds of Queensland audience members - or 66 per cent - were willing to attend cultural events "now or as soon as it is permitted". This figure was down from 72% in March 2021.
• A further 32 per cent were prepared to attend when reasonably confident the risk of transmission was minimal . This is up from 26% in March 2021.
• Attendance rates were higher in regional and remote Queensland (67%) compared to the major cities (60%) - with audiences in regional and remote areas less likely to have been in lockdown before the July data collection period.

Key challenges include lockdowns and vaccination rates, but Queensland audiences are eager to attend events when possible. 

• Seven in 10 Queensland audience members (71%) stated that their plans to attend arts and cultural events had been affected by lockdowns. Common impacts included:
  • they lived in an area affected by lockdown/restrictions (62%), 
  • the event or venue was in an affected area (60%), 
  • the artist they were planning to see was affected by lockdown/restrictions (58%), or
  • chose not to attend the event due to the risk of travel delays or quarantine (11%).
• When asked about the factors inhibiting their attendance over the next 12 months, Queensland audience members were more conscious of the risk of future lockdowns and cancellations (50%, up from 34% in March 2021) and the risk of contracting or transmitting the virus (36%, up from 21%) than they were four months ago. 
• Four-fifths (78%) of audineces continue to make plans for future attendance, despite the risks, although some say they will opt for local events and make last-minute decisions. 
• Most Queensland audience members (78%) expect the amount they spend on arts and culture events to stay the same, or even increase, over the next 12 months, up slightly from March 2021 (74%) - although some expressed concern about the types and number of events that would be available. 
• Queensland audience members are being vaccinated at high rates, and the majority (87%) believe the vaccine rollout will be successful enough to allow normal activities to resume within 12 months. 

Around a third of respondents participated  in online events , and 48% expect to continue engaging 

• Over one-third (37%) of Queensland audiences participated in some form of online arts or cultural activity in early July, down from 42% in March 2021. Despite outbreaks across the country, the data does not show a return to theonline participation boom of the early pandemic, and online participation rates continue to be lower than in some other states. 
• One in two Queenslanders (48%) see an ongoing role for online participation in their lives, noting the advantages - convenience, comfort, accessibility and safety – of online engagement
• Three in 10 Queensland audience members (30%) said they paid to access online content in the fortnight before data collection, consistent with March 2021 (29%). However, Queensland audiences may be increasingly likely to pay greater amounts for works of corresponding quality, with 48% of Queensland audiences spending more than $50 on online content, up from 42% in March.

National findings

The July 2021 National Snapshot Report summarises the insights from over 8,700 audience members.

The July 2021 results of the Audience Outlook Monitor indicated a setback in audience attendance, as lockdowns and restrictions affect events around the country at the time of data collection (7 to 11 July 2021). This trend was observed nationwide, even for audiences in areas that have not experienced significant outbreaks.

• Attendance at events in July 2021 was down. Nationally, slightly more than half (53%) of past attendees had recently attended an event (down from 71% in March), and three-quarters (76%) of audiences say their plans have been affected by lockdowns or / restrictions in the past four months.
• Risks of lockdowns and cancellations are inhibiting attendance. Around half (52%) now say the risk of future lockdowns and cancellations is inhibiting their attendance, while 38% are concerned about virus transmission.
• Audiences remain committed to engaging with culture and 86% are confident that the vaccination roll-out will be successful in helping things return to normal within 12 months.
• Despite the recent lockdowns, a majority of audiences (74%) continue to make plans to attend events, though with a longer lead time.
• Audiences plan to spend the same amount on arts and culture in the future. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, most audiences say they expect their overall spending on arts and cultural activities to be the same amount or more than pre-pandemic levels.
• Over four in ten (44%) audience members continue to participate in arts and culture online and 52% see a role for digital experiences in their lives long-term.