Key Findings
- 74% of Australians (15.4 million) attended an arts event or festival in the past year, up from 68% in 2022, marking the highest attendance in the survey's 17-year history.
- 60% of Australians reported cost as a barrier in 2025, compared to 55% in 2022, yet audiences still purchase tickets for major touring acts.
- Active interest in First Nations art declined from 40% to 37% over three years.
- 93% of Australians expressed concerns about artificial intelligence in the arts; 73% questioned whether AI-generated works can be considered authentic art.
- Dance attendees are among the most loyal, with 31% attending events an average of 14.5 times per year.
Survey Background
The National Arts Participation Survey, conducted since 2009, polled 9,000 Australians for Creative Australia. It informs federal cultural policy, including the Revive review.
Music Consumption Trends
- 94% of Australians listen to recorded music (up from previous surveys).
- 77% stream music (up from previous surveys).
- 20% purchase recorded music (down from 26%).
Statements
"There appears to be a strong sense of connection that keeps them coming back."
— Rebecca Mostyn, Creative Australia's research director, referring to dance audiences.
"There is something about that in-person, unfolding in real-time excitement... people will always value engagement in the arts."
— Dr. Amanda Krause, James Cook University researcher.
The report noted that attending live music events can be about "sharing historic moments" and cited the Oasis 2025 world tour as an example of providing nostalgia, belonging, and community.