Page title

Intro

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

 Freelancer
100%*
Sole trader
84%
 Partnership
100%*
Company
100%
Not-for-profit
17%
Business reserves --33%58%17%
Personal savings 100%74%67%42%0%
Superannuation 0%6%33%17%0%
Credit cards 0%16%33%8%0%
Family and friends0%10%33%17%0%
Bank loan0%0%33%8%0%
Other0%13%0%17%0%
None0%16%0%0%83%

* 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.

Page reviewed 03 September 2024