Participation of the Polish population in cultural events during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the situation around the world, leading to a crisis in many areas of activity, including culture. Culture has a positive impact on the economy and is also important for the development of an individual’s personality. This is why participating in cultural events is so important. However, in times of crisis this possibility is limited. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of the restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic on the participation of the population in Poland in cultural events organized on-site, taking into account individual forms of cultural activity. To achieve the goal, the method of literature analysis and criticism was used. The literature on the subject, reports and studies of national and international institutions dealing with the issues of culture, and legal acts were used. An analysis of secondary data from the Central Statistical Office and Eurostat regarding culture was also carried out. The analysis was performed for the period 2019–2022.

The research shows that the pandemic has caused an unprecedented crisis in culture in Poland. Despite the favorable changes, in 2022 the number of events organized by cultural institutions was lower than before the announcement of the pandemic, and at the same time fewer people participated in these events. The lack or limitation of participation in culture weakens or leads to the disappearance of interpersonal relationships, limits the possibilities of influencing other individuals, and thus subjectivity.

For cultural institutions, acquiring audiences requires them to support creativity and openness to new things. This can be achieved by proposing new channels of contact with recipients, new forms of presenting the cultural offer, at the same time reaching information to potentially interested people, and developing the qualifications of employed people.