Ireland Unveils Permanent Basic Income Scheme for Artists Amid Growing Concerns Over Creativity and Survival
The Irish government has taken a bold step towards supporting its artistic community by introducing a permanent basic income scheme. Entitled the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), this innovative initiative aims to provide a weekly stipend of €325 (£283) to 2,000 eligible artists in three-year cycles.
Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan hailed the launch as a "gigantic step forward" that sets Ireland apart from other countries. He noted that this permanent scheme was the first of its kind globally and would revolutionize how Ireland values culture and creativity. While some critics have called it a "start," O'Donovan's optimism is backed by evidence from a trial pilot program that ran from 2022 to 2025.
During this time, 2,000 randomly selected artists were provided with financial support during the Covid pandemic shutdowns, resulting in reduced anxiety and reliance on supplementary income. The trial also found that artists on the scheme spent more time creating art rather than seeking unrelated jobs just to survive.
A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the pilot program recouped its net cost of €72m through increased arts-related expenditure, productivity gains, and reduced reliance on other welfare payments. This suggests that the BIA has the potential to boost economic activity, improve mental wellbeing, and foster critical thinking and innovation in the arts sector.
However, despite the positive outcomes, some experts caution that eligible artists cannot solely rely on this weekly payment. Sociologist Jenny Dagg noted that while it's a win for all involved, the stipend was considered supplementary income, which may not be enough to sustain artists in the face of Ireland's cost of living and housing crisis.
Rents in Dublin have doubled since 2013, forcing many young people to continue living with their parents. Artists welcomed the scheme but acknowledged that it would not alleviate the broader structural issues affecting their industry.
With an initial budget of €18.27m (£16m) and guidelines expected to be published in April, applications for the 2026-29 cycle will open in May. Payments will start in September 2026 and continue until September 2029. While there is still much to be seen, Ireland's permanent basic income scheme for artists marks a significant shift towards supporting creativity and providing a safety net for those who make it a vital part of their lives.
The Irish government has taken a bold step towards supporting its artistic community by introducing a permanent basic income scheme. Entitled the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), this innovative initiative aims to provide a weekly stipend of €325 (£283) to 2,000 eligible artists in three-year cycles.
Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan hailed the launch as a "gigantic step forward" that sets Ireland apart from other countries. He noted that this permanent scheme was the first of its kind globally and would revolutionize how Ireland values culture and creativity. While some critics have called it a "start," O'Donovan's optimism is backed by evidence from a trial pilot program that ran from 2022 to 2025.
During this time, 2,000 randomly selected artists were provided with financial support during the Covid pandemic shutdowns, resulting in reduced anxiety and reliance on supplementary income. The trial also found that artists on the scheme spent more time creating art rather than seeking unrelated jobs just to survive.
A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the pilot program recouped its net cost of €72m through increased arts-related expenditure, productivity gains, and reduced reliance on other welfare payments. This suggests that the BIA has the potential to boost economic activity, improve mental wellbeing, and foster critical thinking and innovation in the arts sector.
However, despite the positive outcomes, some experts caution that eligible artists cannot solely rely on this weekly payment. Sociologist Jenny Dagg noted that while it's a win for all involved, the stipend was considered supplementary income, which may not be enough to sustain artists in the face of Ireland's cost of living and housing crisis.
Rents in Dublin have doubled since 2013, forcing many young people to continue living with their parents. Artists welcomed the scheme but acknowledged that it would not alleviate the broader structural issues affecting their industry.
With an initial budget of €18.27m (£16m) and guidelines expected to be published in April, applications for the 2026-29 cycle will open in May. Payments will start in September 2026 and continue until September 2029. While there is still much to be seen, Ireland's permanent basic income scheme for artists marks a significant shift towards supporting creativity and providing a safety net for those who make it a vital part of their lives.
and i think its awesome that they're giving artists a permanent stipend to help them out financially 
. i mean, art is a big part of our culture and community, but it can also be super competitive and stressful 
. this basic income scheme could really help take some pressure off and let people focus on creating rather than just surviving 
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. and yeah, it's not a magic solution or anything 
, but its still a step in the right direction 
. i'm curious to see how it all plays out in 2026-29 
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for the arts community in Ireland! Who wouldn't want a guaranteed weekly stipend to focus on creating art instead of worrying about making ends meet? 
The trial pilot program showed some promising results, and I'm glad to see the Irish government taking steps to support their creative talent. However, as Jenny Dagg pointed out, it's not just about giving artists a safety net – we need to tackle the root causes of the cost of living crisis and housing affordability issues too 
. Still, this is a huge step forward, and I'm excited to see how it unfolds over the next few years 
But at the same time, I get why some experts are saying its not enough - €325 a week might not go as far in Dublin right now, especially with all the rising costs 
. Its also nice to see the Irish government taking an interest in arts funding – fingers crossed it works out and benefits the artists! 
. I'm not buying it, folks... there's more to this story than meets the eye 
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... it's like, just because you give someone a basic income doesn't mean all their problems are solved 
... but still, its a start 
. Still, kudos to Ireland for trying something new and supporting their creative community 
. As a student myself, I can relate to how hard it can be to make ends meet while pursuing your passion for creative work 
. Having a permanent basic income scheme like this would be a game-changer for so many artists and creatives 
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. Fingers crossed that the guidelines will make it super easy to apply and get support! 
. Still, I'm glad Ireland is trying something new to support its arts community 
. It might not solve everything, but it's a start 
That's a whole different set of problems. But at the same time, what if it does help create more opportunities for artists and allows them to focus on making meaningful work?
. Still, it's a good start and maybe it'll help artists focus on their craft more instead of stressing about money 
. Anyone else think this scheme is a step in the right direction?
It's like they're finally recognizing that art is not just some luxury we can't afford, but a fundamental human right that keeps our society thriving 
. Fingers crossed it sets off a chain reaction of similar initiatives around the world! 
. I think it's awesome that Ireland is taking this step towards supporting its artistic community. It shows they value creativity and the arts like other countries shouldn't.
. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we know you're doing something super valuable, and we want to support you financially." Plus, with the cost of living in Ireland being what it is, artists are basically expected to live off their art alone 
. Artists need support for their actual work, not just financial help to survive. Still, kudos to Ireland for taking this step towards valuing culture and creativity