Rising Costs Threaten Australian Performing Arts: Touring, Insurance, and Wages Top Concerns

Australian performing arts companies are facing significant cost increases in touring logistics, insurance, and wages, according to a survey by ArtsHub. Monkey Baa Theatre Company's touring costs rose 44% between 2024 and 2025, with freight alone up nearly 60%, driven by fuel price volatility. Barking Gecko Arts in Western Australia also reports higher travel and accommodation costs affecting regional tours and artist residencies. West Australian Ballet (WAB) has seen theatre costs rise over 20% in the past year due to wage increases passed on by venues, and freight costs described as 'somewhat of a lottery'. Insurance premiums have skyrocketed, with Monkey Baa's workers compensation up 35% year-on-year, and Bell Shakespeare's insurance costs rising 81% from 2024 to 2026. Despite a federal inquiry into small business insurance, no specific support has been announced. Wage increases, while welcomed, are straining budgets; WAB has shed seven dancer positions and ten administrative roles since 2023. Executives express concern about the widening gap between production costs and funding, warning of reduced output and risk transfer to artists. Proposed solutions include sector-wide collaboration and a 40% live performance rebate scheme advocated by Live Performance Australia, which WAB's Lauren Major hopes will be adopted in the next federal budget.