Matteo Fedeli

The picture that emerges is one of a complex ecosystem, in which growth and challenges coexist, where demand concentrates on major events and the more widespread realities across the territory need protection. In this sense, the role of SIAE remains central: ensuring balance, the protection of copyright and support for the entire creative supply chain.

The SIAE 2025 Report portrays a live entertainment sector that has now consolidated its recovery, reaching a new point of equilibrium after years of sharp discontinuity. The figures speak clearly: over 3.3 million events, around 253 million spectators and total spending reaching 4.3 billion euros. Against a substantial stability in volumes, the growth in the economic value generated stands out strongly, up 7% compared to 2024.

This figure is particularly significant because it signals a qualitative transformation of the market: average spending per spectator is rising, approaching 17 euros, and the average revenue per event is growing. The public therefore continues to participate, but does so in a context where production, organisation and access costs are higher. The system thus demonstrates a good capacity to absorb inflationary pressures.

Within this scenario, some segments confirm their leading role. Live music, in particular the pop, rock and light music segment, records very dynamic results, with significant growth in both attendance and total spending, which exceeds one billion euros. Theatre and jazz also show signs of vitality, with growth in demand and revenue.

Alongside these positive dynamics, however, elements of fragility persist. Some, such as Cinema, which continues its decline in spectators since the post-Covid period, and others such as Dance and discotheques or the circus, show a contraction in both supply and participation. These are areas that require attention and targeted action.

The picture that emerges is therefore one of a complex ecosystem, in which growth and challenges coexist, where demand concentrates on major events and the more widespread realities across the territory need protection. In this sense, the role of SIAE remains central: ensuring the protection of copyright and support for the creative supply chain.

The SIAE Report data are consistent with what is also highlighted in the SIAE 2025 Annual Report, which underlines how the overall growth in revenue is sustained not only by live performance, but also by the increasingly close integration with digital. The expansion of online licensing and the evolution of rights management are key elements for the future of the sector.

The strategic priorities on which SIAE is engaged also move in this direction: strengthening the digitalisation of processes, improving transparency and timeliness in the collection and distribution of proceeds, and supporting authors and publishers ever more effectively. It is essential to accompany the evolution of the market with innovative tools.

Live performance confirms itself, once again, as a pillar of the cultural and economic life of the country. The challenge before us is to consolidate this growth, making it more balanced, inclusive and sustainable. SIAE will continue to play its part, with the aim of enhancing creative work and ensuring increasingly favourable conditions for the development of the entire sector.