Key finding from the research

Arts attendance 

• Seven in ten Queenslanders attend the arts (69%). Half of Queenslanders attended live music (50%); 42% attended visual arts; 36% attended theatre; 31% attended dance; and 19% attended literature events. 

Creative participation in the arts

• 44 per cent of Queenslanders were involved in creative participation.  Creation of visual arts and craft is the most common (31%) followed by creative writing (18%) and creatively participating in music (12%).

Listening and reading 

• Almost all Queenslanders intentionally listen to recorded music (97%). In 2016, 90% listened via the radio/television; 88% listened to music they owned; and 77% listened through paid or free online streaming services – a significant increase from 2013 (41%). 
• Three in four Queenslanders read creative writing (78%, down from 88% in 2013). In 2016, 62% of Queenslanders read novels; 38% read creative non-fiction; 37% read short stories; 16% read graphic novels or comics; 13% read poetry; and 7% read plays.

Online engagement

• Eight in ten Queenslanders engage with the arts online (82%). Of these, 77% listened to music online; 28% viewed visual arts, music, dance, theatre or creative writing; 31% researched or reviewed the arts or artists; 23% followed or interacted with an artist or arts organisation; 16% shared arts with others or engaged in an online arts community; and 12% created, learned to create or sold art online. 
• One quarter of Queenslanders use Facebook to connect with and learn about the arts or artists (26%); 22% use YouTube; and 16% use the website of an artist or arts organisation.

The arts and cultural diversity

• One third of Queenslanders engage with their cultural background through the arts (33%). – In 2016, 18% engaged through music; 13% through visual arts and craft; 11% through theatre; 8% through creative writing; and 9% through dance. 

First Nations arts

• One in three Queenslanders attend First Nations arts (34%, up from 25% in 2013). In 2016, 20% of Queenslanders attended First Nations visual arts and craft; 16% attended First Nations dance, up from 11% in 2013; 14% attended First Nations music; 11% attended First Nations storytelling; and 5% attended First Nations theatre. 

Impacts of the arts

More Queenslanders now believe the arts have a ‘big’ or ‘very big’ impact on: 

• their ability to express themselves (70%, up from 61% in 2013)
• their ability to think creatively and develop new ideas (69%, up from 58%) 
• our sense of wellbeing and happiness (60%, up from 54%). 
• Two in three Queenslanders believe the arts have a ‘big’ or ‘very big’ impact on stimulating their minds (71%) and our understanding of other people and cultures (65%).

Attitudes about the arts 

More than seven in ten Queenslanders agree that: 

• First Nations arts are an important part of Australia’s culture (80%) 
• artists make an important contribution to Australian society (77%) 
• they feel proud when Australian artists do well overseas (76%)
• the arts should be an important part of the education of every Australian (75%) 
• the arts in Australia reflect the diversity of cultures present in Australia (75%)
• the arts are an important way to get different perspectives (75%) 
• the arts make for a richer and more meaningful life (73%)
• artists should have total freedom of expression (72%)
• it is exciting to see new styles and types of art (72%).