Performing arts, 2016

Released: 2018-03-09

Performing arts companies

Performing arts companies generated $2.2 billion in operating revenue in 2016, up 5.8% from 2014. Operating expenses in this industry group increased by 5.4% over the two-year period to $1.9 billion, resulting in an operating profit margin of 12.0%.

While both operating revenue and expenses showed positive growth rates in 2016, salary, wages, benefits and commissions fell 4.6% to $0.5 billion. The decline was attributable to for-profit companies, where salary, wages, benefits and commissions fell by 15.4%.

For-profit companies accounted for 59.1% or $1.3 billion of total operating revenue, while not-for-profit companies accounted for 40.9% or $0.9 billion.

For-profit companies led the growth in operating revenue, contributing 64.4% or $76.5 million to the $118.7 million increase from 2014.

Four provinces accounted for 92.7% of operating revenue: Ontario (38.3%), Quebec (33.3%), British Columbia (12.2%) and Alberta (8.9%). Ontario led the way in growth over the two-year period, with operating revenues increasing by 18.8% to $826.6 million in 2016.

The performing arts industry group consists of five industries: theatre (except musical) companies; musical theatre and opera companies; dance companies; musical groups and artists; and other performing arts companies.

The musical groups and artists industry accounted for the largest share of operating revenue (40.7%) in the performing arts, and contributed the most to the growth over the two-year period, increasing 11.9% to $878.7 million in 2016.

The lone industry that saw a drop in operating revenue was other performing arts companies, down 6.0% to $386.4 million, mainly due to the for-profit companies in this industry. Other performing arts companies were also responsible for the decline in salary, wages, benefits and commission in the overall performing arts industry group.

Non-profit establishments

Among non-profit establishments, sales of goods and services of performing arts increased 8.1% from 2014. Theatre (except musical) companies had the largest share of total sales of goods and services of performing arts in 2016, accounting for $182.2 million or 49.9% of the total ($365.4 million).

Provincially, Ontario led the way, accounting for 42.3% or $154.5 million of the total sales of goods and services in the non-profit sector.

Performance revenue ($292.2 million) accounted for the largest share of total sales of goods and services in 2016, and consisted of single tickets sales ($173.1 million), subscriptions ($74.3 million), touring income ($29.3 million) and contract production ($15.5 million).

Single tickets sales increased 11.7% from 2014 to 2016, while subscription sales were down 2.5%.

Federal grants increased 16.1% from 2014 to 2016. This growth was partly attributable to the 2016 federal budget, which committed an additional $1.9 billion in funding to the arts and cultural sector over a five-year period.

Contact information

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