As we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, how are Scots feeling about returning to cultural events?

Creative Scotland have just released the latest report from the series of surveys we have undertaken for them during the Covid-19 pandemic, measuring how the Scottish population has been engaging with arts and culture during this period and their hopes and fears for returning to events and venues as restrictions are eased. 

Fieldwork for this latest survey wave took place in February 2022 with 1,105 online interviews undertaken with a representative sample of the adult population, including a ‘booster’ sample of additional 100 members of the ethnic minority population. 

Consistent with the previous three survey waves (undertaken in 2020 and 2021) half of the population told us that since the pandemic had started they had really missed the opportunity to go to cultural events and venues and, since the re-opening of venues, many had already attended or had plans to attend events and shows with levels of interest highest for cinema, live music, theatre and live comedy.

However concerns around Covid-19 remain for many with 55% of the population continuing to feel worried about the potential health impacts of the virus for them and their family, some respondents stating that outdoor and larger venues are more attractive than smaller indoor ones and, at the time of the fieldwork, just over half (55%) indicated that they supported the idea of events only being available to those who had been fully vaccinated or just obtained a negative test result.  

But as we emerge from one crisis impacting the sector another is on the horizon. Our study also showed the increasing concerns and potential impacts of the rising costs of living– 48% of the population are worried about their household finances for the year ahead and many feel that they will be less likely to attend cultural events in future as they need to save money. Most notably around half or more stated that they may be less likely to attend cinema, theatre or live music due their tightening budgets.

If you would like to find out more about this survey and view the full report visit the Creative Scotland website now or get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss our research approaches and how we can help you.