The performing arts market - Spain (2023)

The live performance market in Spain experienced significant shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenues plummeting by 52.8% to €0.741 billion in 2020, followed by a slight recovery in 2021 with €833 million, still below pre-pandemic levels. Before the impact of COVID-19, the sector had enjoyed healthy growth, with a turnover increase of 16.1%. The pandemic's restrictions led to a steep drop in the number of companies in the sector and employees, with the latter declining by 39.3% in 2021 from the previous year.

However, between 2020 and 2021, Spain saw an increase in the number of shows across all sectors, with popular music concerts showing the largest audience growth at 59%. The leading companies in the sector demonstrated substantial turnovers, with MADRID DESTINO CULTURA TURISMO Y NEGOCIO S.A. leading at €13.670 million in 2021. Despite the disruptions, the Spanish live performance market is showing signs of resilience and potential for recovery.

Analyzing the Demand for Live Entertainment in Spain

The Spanish live performance market, before the Covid-19 pandemic, was a thriving sector characterized by a high level of audience engagement and a growing turnover, registering a significant year-on-year growth. However, the pandemic has had a severe impact on the industry, leading to a complete halt in live performances due to the ban on gatherings, which has resulted in drastic revenue drops. Before the pandemic, roughly between 40% and 45% of the Spanish population had attended a live event, indicating a strong demand for live entertainment in the country. The market turnover for live entertainment in Spain saw an impressive increase from €959 million to €1,570 million. 

Although there was a slight recovery in 2021 with an increase of about 10-15%, the sector did not return to its pre-pandemic levels. When it comes to consumer profiles, the most active group attending live shows were young people between the ages of 15 and 19, who made up about 10-15% of the audience, followed closely by those in the age brackets of 35-44 and 25-34. Notably, there was a general decline in live show attendance with increasing age. The pandemic has also influenced consumer habits, with a clear downturn in attendance of live shows across all categories. The theater was most affected, dropping from an attendance rate of about 25-30% to approximately 5-10%. Looking at the global context, the worldwide live entertainment market is anticipated to grow from around $40 to $45 billion in the upcoming years, with an expectation to reach approximately $55 to $60 billion by 2028. This suggests a recovery trajectory, which could also imply promising prospects for the Spanish live entertainment sector in the post-pandemic world. In summary, the Spanish live entertainment market had a strong demand before the pandemic, which significantly dwindled due to Covid-19. Nevertheless, the expected global market growth indicates potential for rebound and renewal of interest in live performances once the sector fully adapts and recovers from the crisis.

Leading Lights of Spain's Live Entertainment Scene

As the curtains rise, the spotlight shines on the prominent entities orchestrating the narrative of Spain's vibrant live performance market. These players have played a pivotal role in reshaping the industry, especially in the wake of tribulations posed by global events affecting live gatherings.

• MADRID DESTINO CULTURA TURISMO Y NEGOCIO S.A. stands at the forefront as a torchbearer, not just illuminating the capital city's rich cultural landscape but also weaving tourism into the fabric of live entertainment. They are key contributors in making Madrid a nexus of cultural magnetism.
• SERVEIS DE L'ESPECTACLE FOCUS, SA, another key figure, mirrors the dynamism of the industry through its innovative services across various spectacles. Their vision encompasses not only the grandeur of performances but also the crucial behind-the-scenes elements such as lighting and stagecraft that elevate the audience experience.
• PENTACION SA has carved its niche in the theatrical arena, showcasing dramatic flair and compelling storytelling that command attention. Their productions are a testament to the time-honored tradition of theater, enriching the sector with their artistic integrity.
• WORK OUT EVENTS SL flexes its muscles in the event organization sector, showcasing a knack for orchestrating events that resonate with energy and seamless execution. They have become synonymous with events that are not just shows but experiences that linger in the memory.
• In the indie scene, INDIEMAGIC SL casts its own spell, championing the alternative and the avant-garde. They champion the voices of the underground, giving rise to a platform where diversity and innovation thrive.
• Turning the spotlight to the musical genre, CLIPPER'S LIVE SL orchestrates harmonies that transcend beyond the auditory to stir the soul. Their contribution underscores the universal language of music, bringing together eclectic sounds under one canopy.
• With a symphony of different beats, ENTRETENIMIENTO MUSICAL SL fosters the rhythm of entertainment across varied musical ventures. Their repertoire reflects a spectrum of genres, celebrating the universal appeal of tunes and tempo.
• PLURAL MULTIMEDIA Y OCIO SL encapsulates the spirit of entertainment beyond the conventional. They bridge the gap between multimedia approaches and leisure, showcasing a futuristic perspective on enjoyment.
• In the urban theater scene, ZUSUP SL emerges as a contemporary voice, resonating with urban tales and modern narratives.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 17/07/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Evolution of live entertainment sales in Spain
• The performing arts sub-segment of the cultural market
• Growth in the number of companies in the live entertainment sector
• Evolution of the number of employees in the live entertainment sector
• Distribution of rooms
• Private/public sector concert hall
• Breakdown of household spending on culture
• Evolution of central government and Autonomous Community spending in the performing arts sector
• Proportion of budget allocated to performing arts within the budget allocated to culture
• People who attended a live show in 2021-2022 by age
• People who attended a live show in 2021-2022 by personal situation
• People who attended a live show in 2021-2022 by sex
• Breakdown of consumers by gender
• Population engaged in a cultural activity
• Population participating in a cultural activity
• Growth in worldwide sales
• Growth in the number of shows in Spain
• The performing arts audience in Spain
• Minimum and maximum prices observed on the taquilla.com platform