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1. Main trends in young people's creativity and cultural participation

2. Main concepts

Main trends in young people's creativity and cultural participation

Recent studies and national surveys in Bulgaria indicate mixed trends in young people’s cultural participation, characterised by growing engagement in digital cultural activities alongside relatively lower participation in traditional cultural forms.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (NSI) and the survey Participation in Cultural Activities and Events (Участие в културни дейности и събития) (latest available edition, 2022), young people remain among the most active users of cinema, music events and online cultural content, while attendance at theatres, opera performances, libraries and museums is significantly lower and strongly influenced by education level, place of residence and income. Urban youth, especially in larger cities, participate more frequently in cultural events compared to young people in rural areas.

According to the national representative survey Cultural Attitudes and Educational Needs of Bulgarians (Културни нагласи и образователни потребности на българите), conducted by the Library, Information and Research Centre of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria (Библиотечно-информационен и изследователски парламентарен център), several important trends can be observed regarding young people’s cultural participation and creativity. The survey was carried out in September 2025among 1 000 adult Bulgarian citizens, with results representative at national level. 

The findings indicate that young and better-educated individuals, particularly those living in large urban areas, show higher levels of interest in cultural life and artistic activities. They are also more likely to demonstrate openness towards foreign cultural influences and international artistic trends, reflecting broader cultural horizons and stronger socio-economic resources. 

At the same time, active participation in the creation of cultural products remains relatively limited. Only around 15% of respondents state that they prefer to engage directly in creative production, while the majority primarily participate as consumers of cultural content, such as audiences at events or users of cultural media. This suggests that cultural engagement among young people is still more consumption-oriented than production-oriented.

The study also highlights the growing influence of digital environments on cultural participation, particularly among younger and more educated groups. Online platforms and social media increasingly shape cultural tastes, access to cultural content and opportunities for creative expression. In contrast, traditional media such as television are losing influence among younger audiences, who tend to rely more on digital sources of information and entertainment. 

Education is identified as a key factor supporting cultural engagement and personal development, especially for young people who are socially active and economically better positioned. Family background and peer networks also play a significant role in shaping cultural preferences, with peer influence becoming particularly important during adolescence. 

Despite these positive trends, the survey points to persistent challenges affecting youth cultural participation. Regional disparities in access to cultural infrastructure, financial constraints and limited availability of cultural activities in smaller settlements continue to restrict participation opportunities. These inequalities contribute to lower levels of cultural engagement among some groups of young people and highlight the need for targeted policy measures to promote inclusion in cultural life. 

Overall, the findings suggest a gradual shift towards digitally mediated cultural participation among young people, combined with ongoing socio-economic and territorial inequalities that influence access to cultural experiences and opportunities for creative expression.

At EU level, culture is widely recognised as an important aspect of personal life. According to Special Eurobarometer 562 (2025), around 79% of EU citizens consider culture important, a share that is almost identical in Bulgaria (79%). This suggests that young people in Bulgaria share similar value orientations towards culture as their European peers, reflecting the broader Europeanisation of cultural attitudes.

However, national research shows that interest in culture is unevenly distributed across socio-economic and territorial groups in Bulgaria, with higher engagement among young, educated urban residents and lower participation among young people in smaller settlements. 

A major difference between Bulgaria and the EU concerns actual participation in cultural activities. Eurobarometer data show that 49% of EU citizens participated in cultural or artistic activities in the previous 12 months, compared to only 35% in Bulgaria. 

This gap reflects structural barriers affecting young people in Bulgaria, such as limited access to cultural infrastructure, financial constraints and regional inequalities. National data confirm that active creative engagement remains relatively low, with only around 15% of respondents preferring to participate directly in creating cultural content rather than consuming it. 

Both EU and Bulgarian data highlight similar barriers to cultural participation, including lack of time, cost of tickets and distance to cultural venues. Nevertheless, territorial disparities appear stronger in Bulgaria, where cultural opportunities are concentrated in large urban centres, leading to reduced participation among young people in rural areas. 

Another key trend is the growing role of digital technologies in shaping cultural engagement, particularly among young people. European data show increasing exposure to AI-generated cultural content and the use of digital tools for creative production. 
National findings confirm that internet platforms and social media are becoming central environments for cultural participation among younger and more educated groups, while traditional media are losing influence. This indicates that Bulgarian youth are integrating into wider European digital cultural trends, even though offline participation remains comparatively lower.

Both datasets highlight the importance of cultural heritage and national identity.
In Bulgaria, there is strong interest in national culture and traditions, as well as a declared willingness to participate in initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage. At EU level, cultural heritage is also perceived as important for quality of life, community belonging and European identity. This demonstrates that young people’s cultural participation in Bulgaria is shaped by a dual orientation towards national cultural identity and European cultural integration.

Main concepts

Key concepts related to creativity and culture are shaped by national legislation, strategic policy documents and the broader European policy framework. 

A central concept is “access to culture”, which is embedded in public policy objectives aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for citizens to participate in cultural life. Although Bulgaria does not have a single comprehensive cultural strategy currently in force, access to cultural services is addressed through sectoral legislation and policy programmes supporting cultural institutions such as community cultural centres (chitalishta), museums, libraries and performing arts organisations. These institutions are recognised as essential mechanisms for providing cultural activities, particularly at local level and in smaller settlements.

Another important concept is “cultural heritage”, which holds a strong place in national policy discourse. Cultural heritage is typically understood in both tangible and intangible terms, including historical monuments, traditional practices, folklore and community rituals. Official policy documents emphasise heritage preservation as a means of strengthening national identity, promoting social cohesion and supporting cultural tourism. This understanding reflects the historical importance of cultural heritage in shaping national consciousness and public attitudes towards culture.

The notion of “cultural participation” is increasingly linked to social inclusion and youth development. Policy approaches stress the role of cultural engagement in fostering creativity, civic participation and personal development among young people. At the same time, cultural participation is influenced by socio-economic and regional disparities, which are recognised as challenges in ensuring equal access to cultural opportunities.

In recent years, the concept of “digital creativity” has gained prominence in policy discussions. Digital technologies and online platforms are seen as important tools for expanding access to culture, supporting new forms of artistic expression and enabling participation beyond traditional cultural venues. This reflects broader European trends in the cultural and creative sectors.

Overall, the Bulgarian policy context conceptualises creativity and culture through a combination of heritage preservation, accessibility of cultural services, support for artistic creation and the promotion of inclusive participation, particularly among young people. These concepts highlight both the opportunities and structural challenges shaping cultural life in the country.