The table below shows the results of a 20-year study into why adults in the UK attend arts events.

The table illustrates four reasons why adults in the UK have attended arts events over the past twenty years. The predominant motivation throughout this period was the desire to see a specific performer or artist, while work-related attendance was consistently the least common reason.

The proportion of attendees motivated by seeing a particular performer has remained fairly stable, fluctuating slightly from 58% twenty years ago to 56% today.

In contrast, attendance to accompany children has risen significantly, increasing from 9% two decades ago to nearly 25% currently. Those attending for special occasions or celebrations experienced a decline, falling from 27% twenty years ago to 20% ten years ago, before dropping sharply to 9% today.

Attendance for work or business purposes has shown a modest increase, rising from 6% twenty years ago to just over 10% today.

Overall, there has been a notable rise in attendance for accompanying children and work-related reasons, while participation for celebratory occasions has diminished over time.