Half of Croatians Not Interested in Art, Study Finds, Placing Country Last in Europe for Cultural Participation Alongside Serbia

A recent study reveals a striking lack of interest in art among Croatians, with half the population reporting no engagement with artistic activities. This places Croatia, along with Serbia, at the bottom of European rankings for citizen participation in art, whether in cultural institutions or online. The INVENT study, which examined cultural values and policies in nine European nations, highlighted this trend.

While art fails to capture the attention of many Croatians, the same population demonstrates a significant interest in other forms of digital content. The research indicates that Croatia ranks second in Europe, trailing only Serbia, in activities such as following influencers, watching short entertainment videos, and playing video games. This suggests a clear preference for more passive or interactive digital entertainment over traditional or digital art forms.

The INVENT study, titled "European Survey of Social Values of Culture as a Basis for Inclusive Cultural Policies in a Globalizing World," provides a comprehensive look at cultural engagement across diverse European populations. Its findings in Croatia point to a potential challenge for cultural policymakers aiming to increase public participation and appreciation for the arts.