Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak and the resultant restrictions on live events, arts organizations have been on the lookout for any information that could help them make sound plans for their reopening and their recovery.
The Patron Survey’s aim is to gain answers to the following:
- How much are patrons missing the live performing arts now? How quickly will they return, once restrictions are lifted? And will they be attending as frequently?
- How do patrons feel about safety measures and mitigation strategies? Which measures will make them feel comfortable attending again? Could any of these measures have a negative impact on their patron experiences?
- How are patrons engaging with performing arts events online? Are they likely to continue after live events resume? How much would they be willing to pay for such events?
- How are patrons affected by the COVID-19 crisis? What impact does it have on their disposable income and their capacity to financially support the arts?
- Could patrons turn to substitution activities?
- Altogether, what will the supply and demand for the performing arts look like after the crisis?
CAPACOA and Synapse C, with assistance from Mass Culture, Hill Strategies Research and many other contributors, collaboratively developed a patron survey template and a set of survey tools to help arts organizations find answers to their most pressing questions.
We are making these tools available free of charge to any arts organization who would like to survey their patrons. We only ask in return that you let us know when you are fielding your survey.
Other useful resources
Arts Response Tracking Survey by Nanos, Business/Arts and the National Arts Centre
COVID-19 toolkit by Synapse C [in French]