3. Cultural and creative sectors
Poland
Last update: July, 2026
Contemporary heritage policy in Poland increasingly combines the protection of cultural heritage with digital transformation, sustainable development, accessibility and international cooperation. Heritage protection remains one of the central priorities of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, particularly in the context of climate risks, armed conflicts and the growing importance of digital documentation and conservation standards. The National Heritage Board of Poland is an institution responsible for such actions including the protection and monitoring of Polish UNESCO World Heritage sites, coordination of heritage documentation and support for conservation policy and heritage management.
The main objectives of the Heritage Board are to gather and disseminate information on heritage, set standards for its protection and conservation, and aim to raise social awareness on the cultural heritage of Poland in order to save it for future generations in accordance with the strategy for sustainable development.
Other national institutes responsible for heritage preservation and protection are:
- The National Institute for Museums and Public Collections. Its mission is to support the development of museums and public collections through research, training, digitisation, professional standards, educational activities and innovation in museum management. The Institute also coordinates projects related to accessibility, digitisation, audience development and professional training in the museum sector.
- The State Archives. Its tasks are: shaping the state archival resources; recording, storing, developing, protecting and sharing archival materials belonging to the archival resource; conducting scientific and publishing works in the field of archival science and related fields; and popularising knowledge about archival materials and archives as well as conducting information activities.
In recent years, heritage institutions increasingly focused on digitisation, digital access to collections and the protection of cultural heritage in emergency and crisis situations, especially after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Currently, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage runs subsidy programmes for:
- Memorial sites and permanent memorials in the country. The aim of the programme is to support local governments in providing stable care over the most important memorial sites, which are material testimony to events that are key to national identity.
- War graves and cemeteries in the country. The aim of the programme is to support the care of war graves and cemeteries in the territory of the Republic of Poland, constituting material evidence of key events in the history of Poland related to struggle and martyrdom, as well as to support scientific activities disseminating knowledge about these events
- Protection of archaeological monuments. The aim of the programme is to protect the archaeological heritage by supporting the key tasks for this area, including the identification and documentation of archaeological heritage resources as well as the preparation and publication of the results of archaeological research.
- Protection of cultural heritage abroad. The aim of the programme is to improve the state of preservation and strengthen the protection of cultural heritage located outside the territory of the Republic of Poland, and to disseminate knowledge about it.
- Supporting museum activities. The aim of the programme is to support activities in the field of conservation care of museums, archives and book collections, as well as the presentation of the collections in the form of cognitively attractive exhibition and publishing projects.
- Protection of monuments. The aim of the programme is to preserve the tangible cultural heritage, through the conservation and restoration of immovable and movable monuments, and making them available for public purposes.
In 2025 and 2026, heritage policy was additionally supported through European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment (FEnIKS), the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (KPO), EEA and Norwegian Funds and programmes related to energy modernisation and accessibility of cultural infrastructure. Public debate increasingly emphasises the need to combine heritage protection with sustainability, climate adaptation, accessibility and digital innovation.
Last update: July, 2026
The National Library of Poland acts as the central library of the country and is one of the most important cultural institutions in Poland. Its mission is to protect national heritage preserved as documents, be it handwritten, printed or electronic (including sound recordings and audiovisual material). The National Library is also responsible for the long-term preservation and digitisation of Polish written heritage, development of digital library services and coordination of bibliographic and archival standards. In recent years, increasing emphasis has been placed on digital accessibility, online access to collections and the preservation of born-digital cultural resources.
Currently, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage runs subsidy programmes for:
- Partnership for the book. The strategic goals of the programme are both to improve access to books in all its formats and to strengthen the culture-forming role of bookstores and libraries.
- Reading promotion. The aim of the programme is to support valuable forms of promoting reading, both by co-financing innovative, wide-ranging programmes promoting common reading practices, and by supporting projects promoting the most significant phenomena of contemporary literature.
Last update: July, 2026
There are two institutes responsible for performing arts in Poland:
- Zbigniew Raszewski Theatrical Institute – responsible for documentation, promotion and animation of Polish theatre life. The institute invokes public debate on contemporary Polish theatre, broadens the perspectives of accompanying scientific reflections, and supports research and educational activities.
- Institute of Music and Dance – established on 1 October 2010 by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. Its creation was preceded by a sector consultation and a three month preparation of the development strategy with the Polish organisations and institutions active in the field of music and dance.
Both institutes increasingly engage in activities related to digital documentation, sectoral research, sustainability and evidence-based cultural policy. They also participate in international networks and projects connected with artistic mobility, education and cultural cooperation.
Currently, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage runs subsidy programmes for:
- Theatre and Dance. The aim of the programme is to support the most valuable phenomena and trends in contemporary theatre and dance.
- The aim of the programme is to support the most valuable phenomena and trends in Polish and world music culture.
Recent editions of the programmes increasingly support interdisciplinary projects, regional accessibility, international cooperation and activities related to cultural education and social inclusion. Public debate in the performing arts sector increasingly concerns institutional stability, artists’ social security, accessibility and the impact of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on artistic production and cultural participation.
Last update: July, 2026
Currently, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage runs subsidy programmes for:
- National Collection of Contemporary Art of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The aim of the programme is to create and develop representative, international collections of contemporary art with the rank of national collections in order to strengthen the exhibition system and the field of visual arts in Poland.
- Visual arts. The aim of the programme is to support the most valuable phenomena in Polish contemporary art and to popularise the most interesting phenomena of Polish and world art in Poland.
Recent editions of visual arts programmes increasingly support interdisciplinary artistic practices, international cooperation, accessibility and projects related to digital culture, sustainability and new technologies. Public discussions in the visual arts sector increasingly concern artists’ working conditions, institutional autonomy, ecological responsibility and the impact of artificial intelligence on artistic creation and copyright.
The Polish Craft Association, which was established in 1933, provides training programmes on environmental standards to promote awareness of these standards amongst small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Together with 28 regional chambers, 478 guilds and 180 cooperatives it represent the interests of SMEs in view of government and regulatory bodies, public administration, courts and social-economic organisations. The Association remains active in vocational education and professional training, particularly in traditional crafts, handicraft and artistic professions. In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship, intergenerational transmission of skills, sustainable production and the adaptation of craft professions to digital and market transformations.
Through the membership in the European Union of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEunited), the Polish Craft Association participates in the European social dialogue.
Last update: July, 2026
State intervention in the functioning of the cultural industries is limited to regulating access of different producers to the marketplace, providing direct subsidies to selected activities and introducing tax incentives and allowances which could facilitate the development of different areas of the industry.
After 2023, cultural policy increasingly adopted a more systemic approach toward cultural and creative industries, treating them not only as a cultural field but also as an important part of innovation policy and economic development. Particular attention has been devoted to sectors such as video games, fashion, design, audiovisual production and digital creative industries. The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage expanded targeted support mechanisms for creative sectors through specialised programmes, export support and innovation-oriented instruments.
An important institutional development was the growing role of the Institute of Creative Industries, which became one of the main public bodies supporting the development of creative sectors in Poland. The Institute coordinates research, educational activities, international promotion and support programmes dedicated to creative entrepreneurship, design, fashion, gaming and interdisciplinary innovation projects. The new approach reflects a broader understanding of culture and creativity as drivers of social innovation, economic competitiveness and technological development.
In recent years, the creative sectors have become one of the areas of interest of the Ministry of Culture and
National Heritage. A special programme called Creative Sector was created, which aims to develop the Polish cultural and creative sectors and to strengthen their competitiveness both in the EU and beyond. The grant programme supports in particular: educational activities related to these sectors, research projects, prototyping, development and export of products.
Last update: July, 2026
The Polish book market remains one of the largest publishing markets in Central and Eastern Europe, although it continues to face challenges related to market concentration, rising production costs, declining readership levels and digital transformation. The market is characterised by a large number of registered publishers, while actual publishing activity remains concentrated among a relatively limited group of medium-sized and large publishing houses.
In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to supporting local bookstores, independent publishers, literary festivals, translations and reading promotion programmes. Public debate increasingly concerns the sustainability of the publishing sector, the impact of digital platforms and audiobooks, and the changing reading habits of younger audiences.
In 2015 Poland introduced the so-called Public Lending Rights (PLR). These are royalties paid on loans that compensate authors and publishers for losses from the proceeds caused by borrowing books from libraries. Reduced VAT rates for books and publishing activities remain one of the important instruments supporting the publishing market in Poland. The equalisation of VAT rates for printed and electronic books reflected broader European policies concerning digital publishing and access to culture.
Recent cultural policy discussions increasingly concern the impact of digitalisation, subscription platforms, artificial intelligence and online distribution models on authors, publishers and booksellers. Public support mechanisms increasingly include programmes related to digital accessibility, literary education and the strengthening of local cultural infrastructure connected with reading and libraries. The Polish Book Institute finances translations of Polish literature into foreign languages in the framework of the Translation Programme © POLAND.
The Book Institute continues to play a key role in the international promotion of Polish literature through translation programmes, literary residencies, international fairs and support for foreign publishers. Recent international cultural policy increasingly promotes contemporary Polish literature together with interdisciplinary projects connected with design, illustration, comics and digital publishing.
Last update: July, 2026
Over the past years the Polish film market has undergone significant transformation, mainly driven by the rapid growth of streaming platforms and the impact of the pandemic. In 2019, cinemas in Poland reached a record high of more than 60 million admissions and approximately PLN 1.14 billion (EUR 267.7 million) in box office revenue. During the pandemic, however, cinema attendance dropped by more than 70%, and many viewers permanently shifted to streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Disney+. Today, going to the cinema is more often perceived as a premium or special experience, while everyday film consumption mainly takes place online.
At the same time, the importance of Polish productions has increased considerably. Domestic films and series — especially thrillers, historical films, biographies, and social dramas — have become more popular among audiences. The Polish Film Institute supports around 250–300 audiovisual productions annually, including approximately 40–50 feature films as well as more than 100 documentaries and animated productions. The institute’s annual budget usually ranges between PLN 200–300 million.
The market has also become more international. Thanks to the cash rebate system, which offers up to a 30% reimbursement of production costs incurred in Poland, the country attracts a growing number of international projects and co-productions. Social media and digital marketing have also become increasingly important, with TikTok, YouTube, and influencer recommendations having a strong impact on a film’s commercial success.
The key trend of recent years has therefore been the transition from a traditional cinema-based market to one dominated by streaming platforms, alongside the growing quality and international visibility of Polish film productions.
In the field of cinema, the new Cinematography Act (2005) was a very important step forward. Under this Act, the Polish Film Institute, which acts de facto as semi non-departmental public body, was created. The Polish Film Institute is responsible directly to the Minister of Culture and National Heritage. The Institute’s board is appointed by the Minister and comprises eleven people chosen from the film community. The Institute's tasks, as specified in the Act on Cinematography, are among others: to create conditions for the development of Polish film production and international co-production; to inspire and support the development of all types of Polish film creativity, in particular artistic films, including the development of film projects and the production and distribution of such films; to support film debuts and the artistic development of young filmmakers; to subsidise enterprises in developing film projects, film production, distribution and dissemination of films, and in providing assistance and expert services to public administration and to support the upkeep of film archives.
Film Commission Poland and regional film commissions continue to support the international visibility of Poland as a filming location and production partner. Their activities focus on attracting foreign productions, coordinating regional cooperation and promoting the Polish audiovisual sector internationally. The development of audiovisual infrastructure and international co-production networks became increasingly important elements of cultural and economic policy related to the creative industries.
Last update: July, 2026
The Polish music market has continued to grow dynamically and, by 2026, follows the main global trends in the recorded music sector, especially the dominance of streaming, the growth of digital distribution and the increasing role of online platforms in promotion and audience development. According to ZPAV, the Polish recorded music market reached nearly PLN 971 million in 2025, growing by 14.2% year on year and moving Poland to 16th place in the global IFPI ranking.
The characteristics of the music market in Poland are similar to those of other countries in the world. The following trends can be observed in both Poland and the rest of the world:
- Continued growth in the value of the recorded music market, driven mainly by streaming and digital consumption;
- An increase of the share of independent record labels in the phonographic market;
- Dominant importance of streaming platforms, social media and online distribution in music promotion, audience development and monetisation;
- An increase in the concert market share in artists revenues.
The continued importance of live performance, festivals and concerts in artists’ income, although rising production costs and audience segmentation remain important challenges.
The Polish music market distinguishes itself from the world market in the following ways:
- A still visible role of physical formats, especially vinyl and collector editions, although streaming is now the main driver of market growth;
- Great importance of radio and reaching its listeners, which does not change despite the growing importance of streaming platforms and the Internet;
- The continued specific role of local popular genres, including disco polo, although the strongest commercial growth is linked to streaming-oriented genres, especially hip hop, pop and urban music;
- Polish artists are definitely more popular than foreign ones. This difference is especially pronounced in the case of hip hop.
Institutional support for the music market in Poland
- Institutional support provided to musicians of a diverse nature and manifested in the activities of public entities (Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, public institutes), market entities (media) and nongovernmental entities (associations, foundations, copyright management associations);
- There are two main paths of providing support - direct (programmes, scholarships, competitions, awards) and indirect (promotion, popularization);
- Among public institutions, the main supporting entities are: the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage, institutions supervised by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage that deal with music, such as the Institute of Music and Dance, National Institute of Music and Dance, Polskie Wydawnictwo Muzyczne, the Fryderyk Chopin Institute, the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as well as municipal and provincial governments.
- In 2026, the Ministry continued to support the music sector through programmes such as “Muzyka”, “Muzyczny ślad” and “Zamówienia kompozytorskie”. The “Muzyka 2026” programme supported 194 projects with more than PLN 31.1 million, while “Muzyczny ślad” supported non-commercial music recordings, sheet music publications and music-related scholarly and popular publications.
- Supporting entities from the non-governmental sector are mainly associations and foundations, e.g. the Meakultura Foundation, the Association of Polish Musicians, the Polish Music Foundation, the Association of Independent Polish Phonography, and trade and collective management unions (eg ZAIKS, ZPAV, STOART, SAWP). There are also cooperation networks that most often associate with other smaller entities from the nongovernmental sector, such as the Music Export Poland Foundation, the Alliance of Independent Music Producers, and the Polish Music Council.
Recent debates in the music sector increasingly concern fair remuneration from streaming, copyright reform, artificial intelligence, export potential, international mobility and the social security of artists and performers.
Last update: July, 2026
Since 1950, the Institute of Industrial Design promotes effective use of design among Polish businesses and the public sector. The Institute also organises trainings for companies from different sectors, institutions and local governments. It promotes innovation and good design practices through organising exhibitions and competitions such as "Dobry Wzór" (Good Design).
In recent years, Polish cultural and economic policy increasingly recognised design and creative services as important components of the creative economy and innovation policy. Public support increasingly emphasises sustainable design, digital transformation, accessibility, circular economy solutions and the international promotion of Polish design. The growing importance of creative industries after 2023 was also reflected in the activities of the Institute of Creative Industries and in programmes supporting sectors such as design, fashion, gaming and audiovisual production. Recent debates increasingly concern the role of artificial intelligence, digital tools and ecological responsibility in the development of contemporary design and creative services.
Last update: July, 2026
The Programme for Tourism Development until 2020 states that tourism is an important part of the Polish economy.
The tourism economy can significantly contribute to the improvement of economic, territorial and social cohesion in Poland. The sustainable development of the high-quality tourism sector is one of the directional development priorities of the European Union. This raises the challenge of strengthening the economic and social potential conducive to the growth of the tourism sector, understood as an element of economic competitiveness of European regions. Tourism is a factor in the diversification of the economy, causing the demand for qualified staff, innovative services and modern management tools as well as research and analysis supporting sustainable economic development based on tourism. All this creates new opportunities to view the development of tourism as part of a regional policy that strengthens the competitiveness of a given territory.
Although cultural and creative tourism remains a relatively underdeveloped research area in Poland, public institutions and local governments increasingly collect data and develop strategies related to cultural participation, tourism mobility and the economic impact of cultural heritage and creative sectors. Discussions increasingly concern overtourism, sustainability, local identity and the balance between tourism development and heritage protection.