Within this report, Kulturanalys Norden compiles an overview of theatre statistics in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, it presents conditions and recommendations for a continued harmonisation of standards within the statistical domain. The report identifies several areas where clarifications and ongoing work with definitions may be warranted for the variables included in Table CULT15: Theatres by reporting country, content, and time in the Nordic Statistics Database (NSD)
The report summarises responses from the authorities responsible for contributing theatre statistics to the NSD, identifying both similarities and differences in the statistics the countries present. The report refrains from making recommendations pertaining to the countries' distribution of responsibilities for the collection of theatre statistics. However, it does identify a need to specify more explicitly the reference period to which each country's data pertain, as some countries report statistics based on theatre seasons while others use the calendar year.
The report identifies several potential areas for development concerning delineations and definitions regarding the types of theatres encompassed within the statistics. Based on the findings of this report, Kulturanalys Norden recommends the following:
Expand the definition in CULT15 to encompass institutions and performances/audiences related to the performing arts areas of theatre, dance, musical theatre, opera, and circus arts.
Rename CULT15 to CULT15 Performing arts.
Sweden should provide statistics to CULT15 from 2024.
Delimit the statistics to state-funded performing arts institutions, but progressively strive to include the portion of independent performing arts receiving state grants.
Clarify, in the existing definition of CULT15 (theatres and theatre projects supported by the state regardless of the amount of support), the specific state grants to be included by adding that the statistics concerning state grants directed towards theatre institutions originating directly from a law, regulation, or conveyed through a state grant authority.
Clarify, in the existing definition of CULT15, the types of performances and audiences encompassed within the statistics, thereby adding that international performances and touring productions should also be included.
Initiate a discussion with the countries' statistical authorities about potential quality issues arising from double reporting. This involves investigating the possibility of reporting self-produced works and guest performances separately in the long term.