The Australia Council has launched the #TakeYourSeats campaign, encouraging Australians to get vaccinated to support a safe return to concerts and performances, with venues able to re-open in NSW from today.

The campaign comes as research shows that audiences are cautious about returning to live events, and strongly support venues requiring proof of vaccination as a condition of entry. The research by arts-focused research company Patternmakers reveals that 96% of the 12,500 people surveyed are at least partially vaccinated, but only 43% of those in outbreak-affected states/territories are “ready to attend now or whenever permitted”.

However that number increases significantly when presented with the scenario of vaccination rates hitting 80% and mandatory vaccine passports, capacity limits and masks in indoor environments, underlining the importance of thorough and clearly-communicated policies for live performance.

PatternMakers October 2021 Pulse Check factsheet

While not speaking to this research directly, the #TakeYourSeats campaign covers many of these same topics and concerns. “Vaccination is our ticket to reopening and...