A recent survey has highlighted significant barriers to cultural participation in Bulgaria, with many citizens unable to afford cultural experiences, sparking calls for a cohesive national strategy to address these issues.
The 2023 national sociological survey by “Alpha Research,” commissioned by the “Factory of Ideas” and the “Observatory of Economy and Culture,” found that a considerable portion of the population remains excluded from cultural activities due to financial and accessibility challenges.
According to the findings, between 20% and 30% of Bulgarians desire to engage in cultural experiences but cannot afford to do so, explained Yanina Taneva from the “Idea Factory.”
The survey revealed alarming statistics: 72.6% of Bulgarians had not visited a library even once, 62.6% had never been to a theater, and 82.5% reported not attending a classical music concert, opera, or ballet.
Cultural participation has seen minimal improvement over the past two years, said Diana Andreeva, director of the “Observatory of Economy and Culture.”
She pointed out that certain demographic groups are particularly affected, including young adults aged 18 to 29 and individuals aged 55 and older.
The younger demographic often lacks early exposure to cultural activities, while the older age group, despite having more free time, frequently lacks the financial resources to participate in such experiences.
Geographical disparities further exacerbate the issue, with access to cultural events significantly limited in smaller municipalities and rural areas.
Taneva emphasized that Bulgaria’s cultural policies have largely failed to incorporate data-driven approaches, which are essential for informed decision-making.
The absence of a unified cultural strategy has prompted calls for an “Access to Culture” Strategy to better integrate culture into the country’s broader societal development.
Proposals to address these challenges include the introduction of a cultural passport aimed at individuals aged 6 to 26.
This initiative seeks to bridge the generational gap in cultural exposure by providing young people with the opportunity to experience various cultural events.
Taneva also advocated for stronger collaboration between cultural venues and artists, proposing the creation of a unified platform for developing cultural products jointly.
“The need to cultivate cultural appreciation from a young age has been largely overlooked in Bulgaria’s cultural policies for the past 35 years,” Andreeva stated, highlighting a gap that has hindered cultural engagement.
She noted that the European Union has increasingly emphasized culture in its post-pandemic policies, suggesting that Bulgaria must adapt its cultural funding strategies accordingly.
There is a growing demand for greater accountability and transparency in the distribution of funds to cultural institutions to ensure that resources are used effectively.
Taneva underscored the role of culture as a crucial investment with the potential to positively impact various aspects of life.
“Culture should not be treated as a luxury but as a priority,” she said, stressing the importance of embedding cultural values into the fabric of Bulgarian society.
The push for a comprehensive cultural strategy reflects a broader vision to make cultural experiences accessible to all Bulgarians, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.
The survey results have ignited a debate on how to foster a more inclusive cultural landscape in Bulgaria, with a growing consensus that cultural reform is necessary to prevent a generational divide and promote cultural enrichment across all age groups.