We are increasingly choosing the internet and other new media to the enjoy the arts — and the change is shown in a National Endowment for the Arts study done with in coordination with the US Census Bureau. The results of the study discussed by representatives from 40 national arts organizations at a NEA roundtable is summarized in this December 10, 2009 press release and the survey is also available for download.
Although live theatre and musical event attendance is falling, over the past year an estimated 47 million people watched music, theatre, or dance performances online at least once a week. Art museum attendance is also down, but museums are responding to changing habits by making more of their collections available online.
According to this Washington Post article, both the Kennedy Center and Shakespeare Theatre Company are posting trailers of productions on the web and using YouTube and social net-working sites, and DC museums are responding as well.
Up from previous years: More Americans are creating art using new media, photography, and videography. More young adults are reading literature — online.
It sends a message to us that technology is increasing access to the arts, not only to artmaking, but also arts participation. Now you are no longer geographically bound to see a live performance. Also, there is something about this technology that emboldens people to express themselves.
Joan Shigekawa, NEA’s senior deputy chairman
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