Ensuring equal opportunities and social inclusion in access to culture, lifelong learning and the role of public cultural institutions in this process

Practical information

• Composition of the study group & calendar
• Administrator in charge: Alessia Cova / Assistant: Theodora Matziropoulou

Summary

One of the priorities of the forthcoming Hungarian Presidency is addressing demographic challenges. This cultural topic – with a regional approach – has links to this priority. The community-building role of culture in small villages and its role in helping disadvantaged areas and persons is incontestable. Another important aspect is to ensuring access to cultural services for persons with disabilities and the promotion of such access within the framework of equal cultural opportunities.

On a political level, an important aim is to ensure that culture is accessible to all, even in the smallest settlements and in times of crisis and war. During the period of the Coronavirus pandemic, it has been proven that culture has a therapeutic role in people's lives. Access to culture for the general public is greatly facilitated by digitalisation and online space. At the same time, it is also important to strengthen the role of culture in economic development.

We would appreciate an opinion on the role of public cultural institutions in ensuring equal opportunities and social inclusion in access to culture and in lifelong learning – mainly in remote areas. Do Member States have national strategic initiatives in this field and are there good practices, tangible results in this context? What are the most important obstacles to access to culture? What could be the main guidelines to be followed on an EU level – with due regard to subsidiarity and national competences?