Québec, July 3, 2024. – In 2022, 18,000 performances were offered in Québec, an increase of 62% over 2021, but still 3% below the 2015–2019 average. Attendance reached 7.6 million admissions, a level similar to the average for that same pre-pandemic period.
Such are the findings of the publication La fréquentation des arts de la scène au Québec en 2022 (performing arts attendance in Québec in 2022) released by the Observatoire de la culture et des communications of the Institut de la statistique du Québec.
Post-pandemic recovery strong for some disciplines, difficult for others
In 2022, a strong recovery in some disciplines translated into audience turnouts above the pre-pandemic average for 2015 to 2019. This was mainly the case for circus and magic (+33%), French-language song (+26%) and English-language song (+21%).
In contrast, attendance at theatre plays (-28%) and music performances (-23%), particularly classical music and opera (-41%), was still well below pre-pandemic levels.
Change in attendance from 2015–20191 (annual average) at paid performing arts shows2 by discipline or genre, Québec, 2022
1. The survey was temporarily suspended in 2020. Data for 2019 and 2020 are therefore based on estimation work. It was not possible to produce results by genre from these estimates, except for song-related genres. This is why the pre-pandemic annual average for circus and magic shows, musicals and music hall, comedy, and classical music and opera was calculated based on data from 2015 to 2018, while the average for theatre, dance and song shows was calculated based on data from 2015 to 2019.
2. Excludes certain types of paid performances: private performances, amateur show performances, and performances on the premises of primary or secondary schools for students of those schools. This survey also excludes performances where the admission fee consists in a passport or badge that is valid for the entire duration of a festival or event, as well as performances where there is a cover charge but no ticket to be purchased.
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Observatoire de la culture et des communications du Québec
Average ticket price at a new high
Ticketing revenues rose from an annual average of $287 million between 2015 and 2019 to $336 million in 2022. The 2022 result is explained by the sharp rise in the average ticket price in recent years, from $42 in 2015–2019 to a record $48 in 2022.
Increased share of admissions for large venues
In 2022, 73% of admissions were recorded by large halls (over 700 seats), up 4 percentage points over the 2015–2019 average. This increased concentration of attendance in large halls is explained by a 6% increase in admissions to these venues, while small (under 400 seats) and medium-sized (400 to 700 seats) venues recorded declines of 11% and 14% in attendance compared to the 2015–2019 average.
Québec productions get their audiences back
Shows from Québec recorded 5.6 million admissions, similar to the 2015–2019 average (5.6 million).
In 2021, Québec productions dominated the market with 96% of performances, 92% of admissions and 81% of ticketing revenues due to the near closure of the Canadian border as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, Québec shows accounted for 88% of performances, 73% of attendance and 64% of ticketing revenues, comparable to pre-pandemic levels.
Audiences’ return to venues varies by region
Admissions to performing arts venues varied by region. In 2022, they were:
- above the 2015–2019 average in Laval and Laurentides (+27%), Saguenay−Lac-Saint-Jean (+19%) and Capitale-Nationale (+5%);
- below the average in Chaudière-Appalaches (-18%), Côte-Nord (-13%) and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine (-13%).
The Montréal administrative region, where venues generated 47% of admissions in 2022, was slightly down (-2%) from the pre-pandemic period.
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.