The political transformations that took place during that decade in Greece, but also abroad, were depicted clearly in literary works. The expanding audience embraced a great variety of writers, from E. Alexiou, M. Karagatsis and G. Skaribas of the 30s generation -whose works were adapted for television- to K. Tachtsis, G. Cheimonas and T. Valtinos. Short story thrived to the detriment of larger works with many characters, whereas many new names were enrolled in the literary catalogues and gave a great boost to the publishing production. Until that period Thessaloniki maintained a robust tradition that contradistinguished it from the intellectual activity of Athens, mainly with N. Bakolas, G. Ioannou etc.

At the same time, there was a decline of the "committed" poetry, which was replaced by new characteristics (internalization, bitterness, irony), mainly as a result of disillusionment of collective visions, something that would be confirmed by the end of the decade (1989). The established writers O. Elytis and G. Ritsos continued to create excellent works, whereas new names were beginning to be established, such as N. Karouzos, K. Dimoula etc.

Areas intended for fine arts multiplied through the establishment of centres mainly in the province. Creators drew inspiration from elements of tradition but also promoted innovative, modern demands (the contribution of established artists, such as N. Kessanlis, K. Tsoklis, V. Kaniaris etc. was very important). Greek participation in international competitions (for example Bienale) was awarded many prizes (G. Lappas). In addition, new institutions were founded, which laid emphasis on culture, such as the "cultural capital", new state awards etc. The explosive personality of M. Merkouri reinstated the issue of the return of the Parthenon marbles (Elgineia) and associated it with the need to create an Acropolis Museum.