This background brief summarises Australia Institute research on the role of the sector and related polling.

Key Details:

• The arts and entertainment sector contributes $14.7 billion per year in value added (GDP).
• Arts and entertainment employ 193,600 Australians.
• For every million dollars in turnover, arts and entertainment produce 9 jobs while the construction industry only produces around 1 job.
• Arts and entertainment employs 51% women and 49% men.
• Arts and entertainment related industries have seen the largest pandemic shutdowns, with just 47% to 65% of businesses operating in early April.
• Majority of Australians (58%) support a relief package for live entertainment and half (51%) support doubling funding for the Australia Council.
• Majority of Eden-Monaro residents (58%) support a government support package for the arts and entertainment sector.