A majority of Cypriots are concerned that artificial intelligence could threaten the cultural sector and the livelihoods of artists, echoing widespread concerns across the EU, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published this week.

Specifically, 80 per cent of respondents in Cyprus, compared to 73 per cent across the EU, expressed concern that the rise of generative AI could affect employment or earnings in the artistic field.

Despite this, only half of Cypriots surveyed said they can tell the difference between artwork made by AI and that made by humans, a finding broadly in line with the EU average of 48 per cent.

Meanwhile, the issue of fair remuneration remains a key challenge. Just 23 per cent of Cypriots believe artists in their country receive fair and appropriate pay for their work, significantly below the EU average of 51 per cent.

The survey, conducted in Cyprus from February 18 to March 12 with a sample of 500 people, forms part of the preparations for the Cultural Compass for Europe, the European Commission’s upcoming strategy on cultural policy, due to be presented in 2025.

When asked what the EU should prioritise in its cooperation with member states on cultural matters, Cypriot respondents identified several key concerns.

Top among them was the protection of cultural heritage from armed conflict, natural disasters or climate change (57 per cent), followed closely by fair remuneration and decent working conditions for artists (56 per cent).

Other key goals included support for reskilling cultural workers (52 per cent), improving accessibility to the arts (49 per cent), and increasing funding for the arts and creative sectors (48 per cent).

By comparison, EU-wide respondents allocated their focus slightly differently.

Making art more accessible to all topped the list (45 per cent), followed by protecting cultural heritage (43 per cent), improving pay and conditions for artists (42 per cent), safeguarding artistic freedom (40 per cent) and supporting upskilling (33 per cent).

According to the statement, a striking 91 per cent of respondents in Cyprus, and 87 per cent in the EU, agreed that culture and cultural exchanges should play a central role in the EU’s future.

Artistic freedom is also widely valued, with 94 per cent of Cypriots and 88 per cent of Europeans saying it is important to them.

However, just 63 per cent in Cyprus, compared with 77 per cent in the EU, believe artists can freely express their opinions without government censorship.

Moreover, confidence in protection from non-governmental censorship or reprisals was even lower, with 59 per cent in Cyprus agreeing, compared to 83 per cent across the EU.

In addition, participation in artistic activities over the past year remains relatively low in Cyprus, with only 36 per cent reporting engagement.

This figure represents a modest increase of three points since 2013.

The EU average, by contrast, stands at 49 per cent, up by 12 points.

When asked why they do not participate more often in cultural activities, Cypriots most frequently cited lack of time (61 per cent), followed by lack of information about events (28 per cent) and ticket costs (27 per cent). EU averages for these reasons stood at 45, 22 and 38 per cent respectively.

“These results show how important culture is for Europeans, not only because it is part of their identity, but also because it is a common foundation for the future of Europe,” said Glenn Micallef, the commissioner for intergenerational fairness, youth, culture and sport.