MEDIA RELEASE
4 March, 2011	Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)	32/2011

Despite distractions like high definition TV, home theatre and the internet, going to the movies was still our most popular cultural activity in 2010 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Last year saw Australian cinemas screen just over 400 films and make the highest gross on record - $1.13 billion. Two out of every three Australians attended a cinema at least once during the year - beating art galleries, museums, zoos and live performances in attendance.

Going to the movies was enjoyed by most people more than once (90%), with over half (53%) visiting a cinema five or more times during the year. The ABS also found that cinema attendance rates have also increased slightly over time - from 65% in 2005-06 to 67% in 2009-10.

Canberra had the highest cinema attendance rates for a state or territory (76%) while Tasmania had the lowest (59%). Canberra also had the highest attendance rates for art galleries and museums (46% for each), followed by the Northern Territory at 30% for art galleries and 45% for museums.

Going to the zoo or aquarium was popular with Northern Territory people, with over half having attended such a venue. In fact, Territorian's zoo and aquarium attendance increased the most across all venues and events between 2005-06 and 2009-10, up from 36% to 53%.

Further information is available in Perspectives on Culture (cat. no. 4172.0.55.001).

Media Note: Please ensure when reporting on ABS data that you attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.