The article is of a theoretical character. In the first part, the notions used in the article, such as the culture, cultural industries, high and popular culture, have been explained. Thereafter, the meaning of cultural policy, problems of that sector, including the issue of its profitability, and influence on the city/region development have been outlined. The second part of the article is dedicated to the culture development in Poland. The problems and challenges of cultural sector have been discussed. The last part of study concentrated on the image of culture in Poland regarding statistical reports.