Culture first relies on the people who create it
Culture thrives when artists and creators can work in comfort. In a public statement, the administration signaled a commitment to accelerating legislative progress on a proposed law that would formally recognize the status of a professional artist, underscoring the need to protect the welfare of those who shape cultural life.
In late November, a new government configuration was sworn in, with emerging plans to outline a program of cultural policy. A formal address to the Sejm was anticipated, followed by a confidence vote on the cabinet. Among the new priorities is a ministry-level effort to support culture and national heritage, including leadership of the Public Benefit Committee.
The minister acknowledged the challenge ahead and framed it as a chance to improve access to culture and empower those in creative professions. She spoke about making the sector more adaptable to the realities artists face and highlighted the essential role culture plays in national identity.
In reflecting on the current moment, she described culture as ultimately driven by the people who create it. She noted that many artists operate outside the regular safety nets, with irregular income and periods when work yields little to no earnings. This reality often excludes them from basic protections such as insurance and social benefits, despite the broader public value of their work.
She emphasized that, even with substantial public funding allocated during the pandemic to stabilize the cultural ecosystem, the conditions for many artists remain precarious. The pandemic illuminated longstanding gaps within the cultural sector, gaps that persist beyond crisis periods.
The minister pointed to the need for universal access to essential services for artists, arguing that the specific nature of artistic work—sporadic income, time-bound projects, and fluctuating earnings—requires targeted measures. A draft law proposing the status of a professional artist was prepared to address these issues and is now moving through the parliamentary process with the aim of delivering timely protections.
Beyond basic protections, the minister highlighted an emphasis on accessibility within culture. She outlined ongoing collaboration with her ministry to develop a cultural voucher program aimed at young people. The concept would allow youths to allocate a dedicated amount toward cultural experiences—whether events, books, or performances—thereby supporting both the cultural sector and the tastes of younger generations.
She stressed that culture cannot be separated from society. Cultural policy should recognize the creative contributions that strengthen national identity while ensuring broad access to cultural goods. Her vision includes weaving together traditional heritage with modern innovation, encouraging the adoption of contemporary technologies to broaden cultural participation.
Policy changes for artists and institutions
The government’s proposal on professional artists was presented to the Sejm. The plan seeks to include artists within the general framework of pension, disability, and health insurance, and to establish a mechanism for supporting premium payments. It defines a new category, professional artist, clarifying rights related to both copyright and neighboring rights in works created by these professionals.
Officials explained that the draft would also establish the Polish Chamber of Artists. This body would be entrusted with verifying qualifications for professional artists, administering subsidies for social security and health insurance contributions, and extending social support where needed.
In summarizing the broader ambition, the minister reiterated a commitment to integrating artists into the social safety net while preserving the flexibility and independence that define creative work. The bill aims to formalize a pathway for recognition and support that aligns with the realities of artistic careers and the public value of cultural production.
The discussion surrounding the bill reflects a broader understanding that culture exists only when people engage with it and when creators have access to the resources they need. By placing professional artists within a more stable social framework, the government hopes to strengthen the sector and extend its benefits across society.
Ultimately, the government seeks to support a vibrant, dynamic cultural scene that connects generations and communities. The proposal also entertains establishing mechanisms to assess and adapt qualifications for artists, ensuring the system remains responsive to the evolving nature of cultural work and the needs of those who sustain it.