The interest in cultural activities in Norway was growing until 2008, however, according to the last survey on cultural participation, this tendency has not continued within the last four years. Cultural statistics for 2012 from Statistics Norway show a decline in some areas of cultural activity. Cinema is the cultural activity that most Norwegians attend, while concerts and sports events are the second and third most popular activities. While 67% of the population goes to the cinema one or more times each year, the figures for concerts and sports events are 61% and 55% respectively. The interest in ballet and dance is much lower, but growing: 14% of the population attended ballet and dance events in 2012, compared with 9% in 1994. In 2004, cultural statistics included cultural festivals for the first time. The statistics indicate that 28% of the population participated in a cultural festival during 2004, increasing to 31% in 2012.
Women show a greater interest in cultural activities than men in most areas, and children between the ages of 9 to 15 years old are the most active age group. Participation in cultural activities is socially differentiated. A high income and higher education increase the participation rates for cultural activities. Participation is also greater in urban areas. Physical access plays a crucial role in the participation trends.
Table 9: Cultural participation in the last 12 months, in %, 1994, 2000, 2008 and 2012
| Field | 1994 | 2000 | 2008 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema | 61% | 65% | 70% | 67% |
| Sports events | 59% | 57% | 56% | 55% |
| Public libraries | 51% | 52% | 51% | 49% |
| Museum | 45% | 45% | 43% | 41% |
| Theatre / musical | 45% | 50% | 53% | 45% |
| Art-exhibition | 44% | 44% | 42% | 38% |
| Concerts | 55% | 58% | 62% | 61% |
| Ballet and dance | 9% | 11% | 13% | 14% |
| Opera / operetta | 5% | 6% | 7% | 8% |
| Culture festivals | 32% | 31% | ||
| Religious meetings | 39% | 41% | 39% | 34% |
Source: Statistics Norway.
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