LAUSR

In this paper, the zero-inflated negative binomial model is adopted to identify the determinants of the likelihood and frequency of live performing arts attendance in mainland China. The data are collected from a face-to-face national sampling questionnaire survey (N = 12,262) conducted in mainland China from January to March 2017. Age, occupation, income, education level, art courses, individual preference, and performance information attainment are found to be significant determinants of the likelihood and frequency of attendance. Gender, amateur cultural activities, and participation media determine the frequency but not the likelihood of attendance, while conversely, interest influences the likelihood but not the frequency. The effect of marital status is not significant. The above results mainly indicate that leisure time, cultural capital, interest, and information are vital factors influencing live performing arts attendance in mainland China. In addition, the effect of income and occupation imply that live performing arts attendance is not an elitist behavior in mainland China. Specifically, audience members are not wealthier or from a higher social class. This is special and may be attributed to the effective and observable efforts of the Chinese government to promote the equality of cultural rights.