Chronicle of a pandemic and the performing arts

By CAPACOA staff: “Data from IMPACTS indicates that intentions to visit cultural organizations in the next three months are on the rise within the United States. However, we’re observing a redistribution of demand compared to pre-coronavirus levels. On the one hand, cultural experiences that allow for a visitor’s relative freedom of movement, particularly those featuring outdoor spaces, will likely benefit from increased demand upon reopening. This category of experiences includes outdoor historic sites, parks, zoos, botanic gardens, etc. On the other hand, experiences involving enclosed spaces with minimal visitor movement – such as performing arts enterprises – indicate lessened demand.

Similarly, the Entertainment Barometer also found that the resumption of entertainment activities by Quebecers will depend on the perceived risk of each activity. Respondents were particularly concerned about attending festivals, musicals and concerts. Consequently, even if they miss these activities a lot, it may take five to six months before they feel comfortable attending them again.

Other surveys provided more nuanced – and reassuring – answers on the length of time before people will resume certain activities.

A Léger 360 survey commissioned by iCible and RIDEAU asked Quebecers about their intention to return to the live performing arts. 30% of respondents said they’d resume buying tickets immediately or within a couple weeks after orders restricting gatherings are lifted. 21% said they’d need “a few months”. And, 40% said it would take “several months” before they buy a ticket.

As to large gatherings such as festivals, Enigma Research’s 2020 Return to Live Events Survey found that nearly half of Americans and Canadians would return within one or two weeks of live events resuming. The remainder would wait longer, with 20% waiting more than 3 months.”

Source: Capacoa.ca