Ireland Launches Basic Income for Artists
The Irish government has announced a new scheme that will provide artists with a weekly payment of €325 (£283). This program, called the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), is believed to be the first permanent initiative of its kind in the world.
Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan described the program as a “global first” in supporting artists, helping them focus on their creative work while improving their quality of life.
Pilot Program Shows Positive Impact
The permanent BIA scheme follows a pilot project that began in 2022. The pilot aimed to help Ireland’s arts and culture sector recover after Covid-19. According to the government, every €1 (£0.87) invested in the pilot generated €1.39 (£1.21) in returns. Artists reported more time to dedicate to their work and a noticeable improvement in their livelihoods.
O’Donovan said the scheme would “sustain the careers” of participating artists and keep their talent within Ireland. “The pilot research consistently showed its benefits and highlighted the challenges of working as an artist in Ireland,” he added.
How the Program Will Work
The BIA program will select 2,000 artists using an anonymous randomised process. This ensures each applicant has an equal chance of being chosen.
Applicants must meet these requirements:
- Be a resident of Ireland
- Be a professional artist with a verified creative practice
- Have a creative practice primarily based in Ireland
Applications will open in May, and detailed guidelines will be available in April.
Supporting Creativity and Culture
The scheme aims to provide financial stability for artists and encourage creativity across Ireland. By removing income uncertainty, the government hopes to retain and nurture talent in the arts sector.
O’Donovan encouraged artists from all over Ireland to apply, saying the program aims to represent the full diversity of the country’s creative community.
