Based on the analysis of 270 studies pertaining to audiences of the performing arts and visitors to museums, this critical review presents a social profile of the culture consuming public and evaluates the quality and usefulness of audience research. The review offers the following information arranged in four chapters: a description of the basic demographics of the arts public and a discussion of other issues involved in audience research such as the composition of audiences over time and their economic and political impact; the quality and impact of arts audience studies; an analysis of the organizational factors affecting research utility, including purpose, impact, quality, and the role of research in arts management; and a proposed agenda for arts audience research. Twelve tables are included and appendixes provide a bibliography along with a list of the studies used in the review. (MAI)