Istanbul, a city celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, is seeing a growing disconnect between its cultural offerings and the people who live there. According to the latest edition of the Istanbul Barometer, a monthly survey by the Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA), 45.8% of residents did not attend a single cultural or artistic event in the past year. The primary reason? Cost.
The July edition of the barometer, which is affiliated with the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM), focused on the cultural and entertainment habits of the city's inhabitants. Based on responses from 758 participants, the survey paints a picture of a metropolis where financial constraints are increasingly dictating leisure choices.
Concerts lead, but many stay away
Among those who did engage with the arts, concerts were the most popular outing, attracting 33.9% of attendees. Theatre and stand-up performances followed at 21.8%, while visits to art galleries and museums drew 21.2%. Book fairs and author events appealed to 16.2%, street festivals to 16.1%, and film festivals to 11.9%. Design, photography, and fashion events were chosen by 6.2%, dance performances by 5.9%, and opera, ballet, and classical music concerts by just 5.7%.
However, the survey highlights a stark barrier: 45% of respondents cited high ticket and admission prices as the main obstacle to participation. A lack of time due to work or school was the second most common reason, at 38.1%.
Economic strain reshapes spending
The economic climate is clearly influencing how Istanbul residents allocate their budgets. When asked about cutbacks over the past year, the largest share—41.4%—said they had reduced spending in social venues such as restaurants and cafés. Concert and theatre tickets were cut by 37.6%, and cinema tickets by 37.2%. Museum visits saw a 26% reduction, while purchases of books, magazines, and digital content fell by 25.9%. Even streaming subscriptions were trimmed by 25.2%.
These figures reflect a broader trend across Europe, where rising living costs are forcing households to prioritise essentials over leisure. As food prices climb, discretionary spending on culture often becomes a casualty.
Digital shift offers an alternative
The survey also reveals a notable shift towards digital entertainment. While 56.9% of respondents still prefer attending in-person events, 28.5% now opt for social media and digital content instead. Among those who favour digital, 34.3% cited practicality when time is limited, and 29.6% pointed to greater accessibility and lower cost. Another 18.1% said their social circle had moved online, and 12.5% found reaching physical venues difficult or tiring.
On average, Istanbul residents consume three hours and eight minutes of digital entertainment daily—a figure that underscores the growing role of screens in daily life. This trend is not unique to Istanbul; across Europe, digital platforms are increasingly competing with traditional cultural venues for attention and spending.
The findings raise questions about the future of cultural participation in one of Europe's most vibrant cities. As urban aesthetics continue to draw global attention, ensuring that residents can actually access the city's cultural riches may require new approaches, from pricing reforms to more flexible scheduling.
For now, the barometer suggests that for many Istanbulites, the city's cultural scene remains a luxury they can ill afford.
