Cost barrier to arts participation rises as attendance hits record high in Australia

According to Creative Australia's 2025 National Arts Participation Survey, 74% of Australians attended a live arts event in the previous year, marking the highest participation rate since 2009, which translates to 15.4 million individuals. The primary obstacle remains cost, as 60% of respondents identified ticket prices as a barrier, an increase from 55% in 2022, with 55% missing events for financial reasons. The survey, which included 9,065 Australians aged 15 and older, indicated that 98% engage with the arts and 93% hold favorable views. Additionally, it highlighted that arts education boosts adult involvement. Notably, 82% of participants believe that the use of AI in creative works should be disclosed. Attendance at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts events also increased, with one in three Australians participating in 2025.