The findings of a new Eurobarometer survey on cultural access and participation – the first on the topic since 2007 – suggest that Malta is one of the least active participants in Europe as far as culture is concerned. Although there are marked differences between member states, in general fewer Europeans are engaging in cultural activities as performers or spectators. Only 38 per cent actively took part in cultural activities, such as singing, dancing or photography, in the past year.

The highest levels of active participation are in Denmark (74 per cent have participated actively in at least one cultural activity in the past year), Sweden (68 per cent), Finland (63 per cent) and the Netherlands (58 per cent). The lowest levels of active participation are in Bulgaria (14 per cent), Malta (18 per cent), Italy (20 per cent) and Hungary (21 per cent).

Socio-demographic factors continue to influence cultural participation: the best educated, those with a high social status or who almost never experience financial difficulties are more likely to participate in cultural activities. Encouragingly, the youngest Europeans (aged 15-24) show higher levels of participation in many cultural activities, and it seems that this is the age at which the greatest diversity of activities is experienced.

The Eurobarometer survey on cultural access and participation is published to coincide with the opening of the European Culture Forum at the Brussels Palais des Beaux Arts. Some 1,200 culture practitioners and policy-makers attended the Forum between November 4-6, 2013.

Impetus Europe Consulting Group Ltd
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