More Western Australians support the arts: ABS
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Research released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows support for culture and the arts is strong in Western Australia, with 88 per cent of people attending cultural events.
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Support for culture and arts in Western Australia continues to be strong, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) research.
Culture and the Arts Minister Sheila McHale said more people were attending cultural events in WA which indicated a high level of engagement with cultural and arts sectors.
"The ABS report called 'Vital Statistics' shows 88 per cent of Western Australians, or 1.4 million people, attend cultural events and venues each year," Ms McHale said.
"This is higher than the national average of 85 per cent and confirms that culture and arts are an integral and valued part of life in our State.
"More than two-thirds of the population go to the cinema, more than one-third use their public library, and more than three-quarters of indigenous people have participated in an indigenous cultural event."
The Minister said employment in the arts had also increased, with almost 34,000 people working in cultural industries and another 40,000 volunteering within arts organisations.
Ms McHale also revealed details of a second survey, the Arts Monitor Report by Patterson Research, which provided further insight into how WA people feel about, and engage with, the arts.
"Most participants in this survey supported the State Government's policy of providing funding support for cultural and arts activity," she said.
"Of those surveyed, 95 per cent believed it was important for school children to have access to arts and culture activities as part in their education.
"The report also revealed support for this sector could encourage economic activity in other areas, with people attending events also likely to visit restaurants and bars.
"The Carpenter Government is committed to the development of the cultural and arts sector in Western Australia."