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Respondent profile

58 performing arts companies shared their experiences on how COVID-19 has impacted their work. 

Respondent type

• 29% Sole traders
• 28% Companies
• 28% Not-for-profits
• 16% Other.

Industry sub-category (top responses)

• 31% Theatrical
• 19% Dance and ballet
• 12% Circus
• 7% Musical production.

The following findings are based on respondents’ reported impacts from 1 April to 30 June 2020. 

Number of jobs

Jobs in performing arts companies fell 60%. This was based on expected versus actual number of employees reported by partnerships, companies and not-for-profits operating in the performing arts companies sector. There were significant decreases in freelance and contract jobs (down 88%) and casual jobs (down 76%).

Actual versus expected revenue

• 63% - Percentage of expected revenue earned before COVID-19 support
• 84% - Percentage of expected revenue earned after COVID-19 support.

COVID-19 support

• 76% - Received COVID-19 support
• $42,305 - Average value of support.

JobKeeper

Percentage of business entities that received JobKeeper assistance for employees

• N/A - Freelancer
• 36% - Sole trader
• 100%* - Partnerships
• 75% - Company
• 75% - Not-for-profit.

Alternative revenue sources

Percentage of business entities that needed to draw on alternative revenue sources to cover lost revenue

* Small sample size (<5 respondents) 

Methodology

This fact sheet was compiled from a survey conducted in 2020 by CATALYSE® Pty Ltd on behalf of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. View the full survey report.