Going up or going down? What are audience numbers like in economic downtimes? Photo: Levi Jones via Unsplash.
The latest economic reports continue to warn of darkening storm clouds over global markets, and interest rates and inflation are rising – both here and around the world.
In tight times like these, do arts companies suffer hard downturns as audiences tighten their spending? Or do the crowds keep attending because art gives their lives meaning and brings delight in bleak times?
ArtsHub's Arts Feature Writer Jo Pickup is based in Perth. An arts writer and manager, she has worked as a journalist and broadcaster for media such as the ABC, RTRFM and The West Australian newspaper, contributing media content and commentary on art, culture and design. She has also worked for arts organisations such as Fremantle Arts Centre, STRUT dance, and the Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub of WA, as well as being a sessional arts lecturer at The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
