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In an impressive testament to the vibrancy and
viability of the arts in
the Florida Keys, the Performing Arts Network of the Florida Keys
Council of the Arts today releases the results of its 2002-2003
audience survey. More than 1200 audience members and six Performing
Arts Network organizations have participated in this study. These
include: Impromptu Concerts, the Keys Chamber Orchestra, the Key
West Pops Orchestra, the Key West Symphony Orchestra, the Red Barn
Theater and the TWFAC Founders Society.
Results indicate that most people read about upcoming performances in
the newspaper. While more than half bought tickets for single
performances,
Subscription Season Ticket Sales are quite important for the Key West
Symphony Orchestra, accounting for half of the total ticket sales.
The
Impromptu Concerts and TWFAC Founders Society also count on
subscribers for nearly one-third of ticket revenue.
Florida Keys Council of the Arts CEO Monica Haskell says,
"Restaurants
and hotels especially benefit from the arts. Between 20% and 54% of an
audience buys dinner or drinks before or after a performance. And up
to 15% stay in hotels and guesthouses."
Revenue is only one part of the arts equation. For while live
entertainment
not only provides valuable employment and generates incidental revenue
for local hotels and restaurants, it also fills the wells of
cultural need
and inspiration. The wide variety of PAN offerings draw a
diverse, highly
educated audience composed of both full-time residents (working and
retired) and tourists.
The strength of support for the arts in our community is unique and
proven; more than two-thirds of those who attend one performance are
bound to attend another. And the entertainment's quality is
apparently high, survey data indicating a level of enjoyment that
hovers between "a great deal" and "immense."
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