GILLIAN LORD FEATURES EDITOR

It shouldn’t only be about money. As arts organisations globally face unprecedented pressure to “redefine” themselves, to “stay relevant”, Perth Festival of the Arts’ current dilemma must be seen in a broader context.

Ten years ago nobody saw Netflix waiting to rule the world. Live streaming was just a bright idea. Facebook only launched 14 years ago.

The full nature of the festival’s present predicament will be revealed in time. But we know the performing arts, the visual arts, even the movie industry itself, are locked in a seemly unwinnable battle for our attention – their rival often a tiny mobile phone screen broadcasting for an audience of one. By contrast festivals, theatre, and the more traditional entertainment, offer the thrill of a full stage set (and its attendant costs), a cast of actors or musicians (ditto), a public venue (again, a cost) and an experience that will, hopefully, resonate for weeks afterwards. But the battle is to get us there.

Last year’s festival programme was well-curated, with something for everyone. Visitor feedback showed approval rates between 96% and 100%. Besides Lewis, other shows sell out every year at the Concert Hall’s 1,200 seated capacity, or the theatre’s 460 capacity. But this is not a measurement contest. If we value these festivals, our live music, theatre, and visual arts traditions, we have to go to the show. If we don’t use it, we will lose it.