Ticket Prices and Digital Consumption Shape Culture and Art Participation in Istanbul

According to the Istanbul Planning Agency's July Istanbul Barometer survey, high ticket prices and lack of time stand out as the biggest barriers to participation in cultural and arts events in the city, while citizens' daily digital entertainment consumption averages three hours and eight minutes.

Event Participation Rates

The July survey conducted by the Istanbul Planning Agency with 758 people revealed that a significant portion of Istanbul residents stay away from events.

While 45.8% of participants did not attend any cultural events in the past year, concerts ranked first among attendees at 33.9%.

Barriers to Participation

Direct economic access problems and an intense work pace are among the leading factors making participation in culture and arts activities difficult.

45% of participants cited high ticket and admission fees as the most important barrier, while 38.1% stated they could not find time due to work or school.

Areas Where Spending is Cut

Reflecting economic conditions on social spending, the largest cuts were made in social venue spending such as restaurants and cafes.

In the culture and arts sector, the rate of those cutting back on purchasing concert or theater tickets was measured at 37.6%, and at 37.2% for cinema tickets.

Digital Preferences and Durations

Although physical participation in cultural experiences maintains its weight at 56.9%, the rate of those turning to digital content drew attention.

Participants' daily average digital entertainment consumption was calculated as three hours and eight minutes, while free time was determined to average 3 hours and 44 minutes.