Ireland has launched a first-of-its-kind initiative to support artists, providing a weekly income to reduce financial pressures and foster creativity.
A Groundbreaking Scheme for Artists
The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) will provide €325 (£283) per week to 2,000 eligible artists in the Republic of Ireland. Payments will be distributed in three-year cycles.
Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan announced the scheme in Dublin on Tuesday, stating It’s “the first scheme of its kind in the world.” He described it as “a gigantic step forward” and a way to demonstrate how Ireland values culture and creativity.
Building on a Successful Pilot
The permanent scheme is a direct result of a successful trial program. The pilot project, which randomly selected 2,000 artists from 8,000 applicants, demonstrated a reduction in financial hardship and anxiety among participants. Artists reported spending more time on their craft and less time seeking supplementary income.
A government-commissioned cost-benefit analysis found that the scheme’s €72 million net cost was offset by increased arts-related spending, productivity gains, and reduced reliance on other social welfare programs.
Eligibility and Application
Artists selected for the 2026-2029 cycle will be eligible for support for three years, followed by a three-month tapering-off period. They will not be eligible for the subsequent cycle but can reapply in the following one. Applications for the 2026 cycle will open in May, with guidelines published in April. The initial budget for the scheme is €18.27 million (£16 million).
While the scheme is seen as a positive step, Maynooth University sociologist Jenny Dagg noted that the weekly payments are intended as supplementary income and are not sufficient for artists to live on solely.
Artists have also expressed concerns about the ongoing cost of living and housing crisis in Ireland, where rents in Dublin have doubled since 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA)?
The BIA is a scheme that will provide €325 per week to 2,000 eligible artists in the Republic of Ireland in three-year cycles.
Is this the first scheme of its kind?
According to Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan, this is the first permanent basic income scheme for artists in the world, following a successful trial program.
How often can artists receive support through the BIA?
Artists can receive support for three out of every six years. An artist selected for the 2026-2029 cycle must skip the next cycle but can reapply for the following one.
As Ireland embarks on this innovative approach to supporting the arts, will other nations consider similar models to foster creativity and cultural vibrancy?
