Do we need a cultural elite to lead the way in art? One that constantly works ahead of what the masses engage with, whether it be music, visual arts, literature, or other art forms, and sets the standards for good art? Or is there a risk that it becomes just another niche or subculture and loses its influence?

In neighboring countries, people are asking why the status of high culture in society is declining, and why it seems we care so little about it. Yet, in the debate, terms like "reading shame" also emerge, indirectly acknowledging that we inherently know there is a difference between reading one book and another, listening to one type of music and another, perhaps even one genre and another.

These and other issues, which can be linked to the idea of the classical education ideal, will be discussed in this year's cultural debate.