Citizens who regularly take part in cultural activities are more likely to vote, volunteer and contribute to community projects, says a report published by the European Commission on Friday 23 June.
However, the text points out, there are significant inequalities in cultural participation within the EU, which themselves reflect wider socio-economic divisions. “Promoting democracy and social cohesion in the EU requires addressing these inequalities”.
The report calls on cultural organisations and Member States to promote cultural activities that are affordable, inclusive, easily accessible and take account of the diversity of citizens. It also shows that an increase in direct or indirect public investment in culture is linked to greater participation, both in cultural activities and in democratic life.
In addition, the authors of the report recommend that the Commission give greater visibility to its objective of increasing cultural participation within the Creative Europe and Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programmes.
It also stresses the need to do more work on this subject, as set out in the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026. This includes an action dedicated to the promotion of democracy and the development of “cultural citizenship in Europe”.
“We need to harness this immense power of culture for the democratic health of our societies. This report comes at a very good point in time, and it will contribute to our efforts to deepen democracy and promote an inclusive and engaged society as we support our cultural sectors”, said Commission Vice-President Margarítis Schinás.
Last week, eleven MEPs also called on the Commission to “reaffirm the fundamental role of culture for the future of the European project” as the 40th anniversary of the Stuttgart Declaration was celebrated and the 2024 European elections approach (see EUROPE 13204/20).
To see the report: https://aeur.eu/f/7q1 (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)