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Keep being excellent and we'll support you in downturn" public tells British Orchestras

05 March 2009

Stress-busting concerts beat sports events and computer games as more than half say we should support arts despite the recession

The British public overwhelmingly value orchestras, despite the economic downturn.  74% agree they provide high quality live music, and two thirds say orchestras are an important part of our cultural life, even in the recession, according to a new ICM poll released by the Association of British Orchestras today.

The new figures put concert-going above sports events and computer games as activities people prefer to do in the downturn and 37% of people believe tickets sales increase because concerts relieve stress. More than 53% say it is important to support the arts in the downturn.

A third of the public (35%) also say that orchestras will sell tickets in the recession when they appeal to a broader audience.

Mark Pemberton, Director of the Association of British Orchestras said:

“The public are telling us that the arts and orchestras matter even in the midst of an economic downturn.  British people know we have superb orchestras of the highest quality.  This poll shows that, in a recession, excellence and wide appeal go hand in hand.

“But, despite these encouraging figures, we know we have to continue to work hard to put on popular and challenging programmes and to reach out to communities which have not traditionally seen themselves as concert goers. Orchestras are doing a great deal to make themselves sustainable and maintain their reputation for excellence, and the public is responding.”

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