Statistics on engagement of adults in culture, arts and leisure in 2015/16 published

The Department for Communities (DfC) today released headline figures on engagement of adults in culture, arts and leisure in 2016/17.

Main findings:

In 2016/17, almost nine out of every ten adults (88%) had engaged in some way with culture, arts and leisure. This was the same as the engagement rate in 2015/16 and similar to comparable engagement rates since 2011/12.

In 2016/17, 85% of adults had engaged in culture and arts, representing no change on the engagement rate for 2015/16. This is an indicator in the draft Programme for Government.

Within the overall engagement rates, there has been a slight increase in 2016/17 in the proportion of adults visiting a museum or science centre.

The publication is available on the DfC website.

Requests or enquiries concerning these statistics should be directed to:

Tel: 028 9082 9255
Email: asu@communities-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. The report presents findings from the 2016/17 Continuous Household Survey which is a Northern Ireland wide household survey administered by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). Further information on the survey including sample design and response rates is included in Definitions and technical notes of the statistical bulletin.
2. The report provides information on trends over time in engagement and participation across the various components of culture, arts and leisure including key findings relating to differences in participation rates among adults living in the most and least deprived areas of Northern Ireland. The bulletin includes key statistics on sports participation; engagement, attendance and participation in the arts; usage of the public library service; visits to museums and science centres; and visits to PRONI.
3. As in previous years, more detailed analyses will be provided, including breakdowns by Section 75 groups, in further bulletins to be released over the coming months.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Communities Press Office on 028 9082 3516 or email press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974383 and your call will be returned.

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