The link between art and human rights is stated plainly in one of the best-known documents of the twentieth century. Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community and to enjoy the arts. Culture, in other words, is not a luxury reserved for those with money, time and confidence.
This article looks at what that article says, who actually gets to make and see art, what stands in the way and what artists and organisations can do about it. It is a general discussion, not legal advice, and it does not claim that any particular country’s law gives enforceable rights.
What Article 27 says
Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, states that everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. It also protects the moral and material interests of people who create scientific, literary or artistic works.
Two ideas sit side by side here. The first is participation: being able to take part, not just watch. The second is protection for creators, recognising that artists deserve acknowledgement and fair treatment for their work. Both matter if culture is to be genuinely shared.
Access: who gets to make and see art
In practice, opportunities to make and experience art are uneven. Some people grow up with instruments, sketchbooks and museum visits; others never encounter them. Geography, income, disability, language, age, immigration status and discrimination can all shape whether someone feels that cultural spaces are for them.
Access is about more than ticket prices. It includes whether a venue has step-free entrances, whether information is available in accessible formats and languages, whether the programme reflects the experiences of different communities and whether people feel welcome when they arrive. A free event that feels unfriendly is not truly open.
Barriers to cultural participation
Barriers come in many forms, and they often overlap. Understanding them is the first step towards reducing them. Some are practical, some are social, and some are about who is trusted to define what counts as culture.
It is also worth remembering that culture is not only what appears in galleries and theatres. Folk traditions, street art, craft, music at home and community celebrations are all part of cultural life, and people have a stake in them whether or not institutions recognise it.
- Cost of materials, travel, tickets and training.
- Physical inaccessibility and lack of support for disabled people.
- Language barriers and unfamiliar codes of behaviour.
- Time pressures caused by work, caring responsibilities or insecurity.
- Restrictions on movement or expression, including censorship or threats against artists.
- Feeling that art spaces are intimidating or not meant for you.
What artists and organisations can do
Start by asking who is missing and why, and then involve those people in finding solutions. Go to where people are, whether that is a library, care home, community hall or housing estate, rather than expecting everyone to come to you. Co-design programmes, offer different ways of taking part and remove avoidable costs.
Fair treatment of artists is part of the same picture. Pay people properly, agree terms clearly, credit their work and respect their ownership of it. Support artists who face pressure for what they express. Finally, be honest about limits. A single workshop does not solve structural inequality, but it can model good practice and open doors.
- Audit your venues and materials for accessibility.
- Involve community members in programming decisions.
- Provide travel, childcare or refreshments where possible.
- Pay and credit artists fairly.
Frequently asked questions
What does Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights say about art?
It says everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community and to enjoy the arts, and that creators’ moral and material interests in their work should be protected.
Is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights legally binding?
The Declaration is a foundational statement of principles rather than a treaty in itself. It has strongly influenced later human rights instruments and national laws, so for legal questions in a particular country you should consult a qualified adviser.
Does the right to culture only apply to professional artists?
No. It applies to everyone, including people who make or enjoy art as a hobby, a tradition or a way of connecting with others.
Seeing art as a human right shifts the conversation from charity to fairness. Everyone should be able to make, see and shape culture, and everyone who creates deserves respect for their work.
Whether you run a gallery, a workshop or a local group, a good starting point is to ask who is not yet taking part and what would change that. Read more in our ethics and rights section.
