According to the State Statistical Office data, in the 2016/2017 season, compared to 2015/2016, the number of performances at professional theatres increased by 10.3%, while attendance increased by 2.1%. The average attendance per performance was 185.
In the period 2016/2017, compared to 2015/2016, the number of performances at professional youth and children’s theatres decreased by 4.8%, while attendance decreased by 7.1%.
In amateur theatres, for the same period, the number of performances decreased by 16.1%, and the number of visitors decreased by 23.2%.
In 2016/2017, in comparison with 2015/2016, the number of concerts and attendance at the Philharmonic Orchestra decreased.
Table 6: Theatres in Macedonia, by type, 2019/2020
| Type | Number | Performances | Employees | Attendance |
| Professional | 15 | 743 | 1 235 | 180 507 |
| Prof. children | 2 | 128 | 44 | 15 638 |
| Amateur | 4 | 18 | 88* | 3 212 |
| Total | 21 | 890 | 1 279 | 199 357 |
Source: State Statistical Office, News Release No. 2.1.20.35 / 2020
* Active members
The two leading musical institutions are the Philharmonic Orchestra and the Macedonian Opera and Ballet (both in Skopje). Their main objective is to present works from world music literature from various stylistic periods and promotion of works by local composers. Apart from these, several chamber ensembles are active, as well as many individual musicians.
The concert life is mainly concentrated in Skopje (as the capital city), whereas in the other towns it is occasional, depending on the conditions and possibilities to stage concerts, the interest and the tradition of the performing arts practice. Concerts in smaller towns are chamber concerts almost without exception.
The Ministry of Culture also supports the programme activities of the professional folk dance groups that foster vocal, dance and vocal-instrumental folklore tradition.
In 2017, the new building for the Macedonian Philharmonic was finally opened.
Table 7: Macedonian Philharmonic, 2016 – 2020
| Year | Concerts | Attendance |
| 2016/2017 | 30 | 34 250 |
| 2017/2018 | 37 | 15 670 |
| 2018/2019 | 47 | 83 000 |
| 2019/2020 | 62 | 47 773 |
Source: State Statistical Office, News Release No. 2.1.20.35/2020
There are no specific regulations for the performing arts as a separate field. But during the debates on the new National Strategy for Cultural Development 2018-2022, the Syndicate of the Cultural Workers (SKW) initiated a proposal to the Ministry of Culture to evaluate the need for a separate law on the performing arts. A working group was established and the proposal is now in a process of evaluation.
In 2013 the Ministry of Culture prepared and the Parliament adopted the Law on the Support of the Domestic Music Production which was strongly opposed by experts and the opposition. The Law aimed to support and promote domestic music production – mainly pop and folk music – for a period of ten years, to a total value of 5 million EUR. By means of yearly competition the creation of 200 new compositions (150 in the area of pop music and 50 in folk music and children’s songs) were supposed to be financed. Compositions were selected in several categories: “talent”, “renowned singer” “outstanding performer”, “top performer”, “songs that promote family values in society and families with many children” and “compositions that promote the history of Macedonia”, and were financed with 3 000 EUR (1 500 EUR for the composition and production, and 1 500 EUR for a video clip). The “Children’s song” were financed with 400 EUR (for the composition and production). The “Stars” category was financed with 4 500 EUR (3 000 EUR for composition and production, and 1 500 EUR for a video clip). Macedonian Radio and Television as a Public Broadcaster was authorised to carry out all of the work (announce a public call, choose members of the Commission, recordings etc.).
Due to a new cultural policy in this sector the Ministry of Culture annulled this Law in 2018.
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