What does this indicator measure?
This indicator reports the estimated number of free and/or reduced-price admissions reported by cultural arts organizations participating in an economic impact study of arts and cultural organizations in North Texas, commissioned by the North Texas Business for Culture and the Arts (NTBCA).
Why is this indicator important?
Free and reduced-price admissions to cultural arts events and activities provide opportunities for children and economically disadvantaged patrons to attend various cultural events. Free or reduced-price admissions help to ensure that cost alone does not become a significant prohibiting factor for access to and participation in cultural arts events.
This indicator is important because the significant presence of free and reduced-price admissions (as a proportion of all ticketed admissions) effectively demonstrates the efforts of the cultural arts industry to include and provide access for segments of the populations that have been traditionally less likely to attend such events.
How are we doing?
According to the 2004 Economic Impact study conducted by Deloitte & Touche LLP and sponsored by NTBCA, an estimated $3 million of free and reduced-price admissions were provided by North Texas arts organizations in 2003. The level of these admissions for 2003 reflects a decrease of 16% from 2000.
The 2006 Economic Impact study by Deloitte & Touche for NTBCA reports the following in regard to free and reduced-price admissions:
- In 2005, 98 cultural arts organizations in North Texas provided more than 7,000 performances and exhibitions and over 23,000 audience opportunities.
- Together, these 98 organizations achieved more than 7.9 million admissions to their performances and exhibitions. Approximately 35% were free or reduced-price admissions.