The road to cultural participation

Abstract

While cultural participation brings many positive effects, the last few years have seen a decrease in overall participation in cultural activities. To investigate the barriers and facilitators of cultural participation, I applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The TPB offers an insightful framework for analysis, as it unveils the underlying cognitive processes behind individuals' decisions to participate by examining how subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control influence behavior (Ajzen, 1991). This theory was complemented by cultural participation barriers identified by Van Steen and Lievens (2011) to provide a comprehensive lens for analysis. The study sample consisted of people who have participated in Ruimtekoers projects. Ruimtekoers is an organization specialized in using cultural projects to drive societal change through art, dialogue, and action. Notably, 75% of its participants had not engaged in cultural activities before, and studying this group offered unique insights into the barriers and facilitators of cultural participation among individuals new to cultural activities—a perspective often overlooked in studies focusing on frequent participants. Participants emphasized the need for welcoming and accessible cultural spaces, clear and engaging information, and social support as critical factors in facilitating engagement. Conversely, complex rules, financial constraints, time limitations, and feelings of exclusion were significant barriers. The study suggests fostering inclusive cultural spaces, simplifying rules, improving communication, and promoting a different narrative surrounding culture.