The implementation of the “culture pass” initiative in Denmark, aimed at providing 40,000 vulnerable young people with access to cultural and sports activities, has been delayed due to unresolved issues with IT approvals. The pass, which was originally slated to launch in early July, will provide beneficiaries with 2,000 kroner to spend on various cultural and recreational offerings.

According to Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the delay stems from the IT solution for the culture pass not receiving the necessary card approvals. He expressed his disappointment in a written statement, emphasizing his hope that young people will soon be able to use the pass to engage with new communities and enjoy positive experiences.

The culture pass initiative has been allocated a total of DKK 140 million, with DKK 15 million specifically earmarked for the digital solution. The idea was initially presented by the government in 2022, and a political agreement to implement it was reached in 2024 with the support of several parties.

Despite the broad support, some political figures have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the culture pass. Concerns have been raised that the pass may not address the underlying issues contributing to the lack of well-being among vulnerable youth. It has been suggested that simply providing access to cultural activities may not be sufficient for young people struggling with deeper challenges like anxiety.

The concept of a culture pass for young people has been tested in other countries, such as France and Spain. In those cases, the passes were primarily intended for purchasing books with the goal of increasing literary consumption among young people. However, the impact on overall cultural engagement, including theater and museum attendance, was limited. The exact date for the launch of the Danish culture pass remains uncertain.