Basic Income for the Arts to become permanent in Ireland

3 years after the trial’s commencement, the Irish government is making their basic income for the arts program permanent, starting in 2026.

The program will provide 2,000 selected artists with around €1300 a month. Creatives from all sectors – literature, visual arts, music, dance, etc. – were eligible to apply for the pilot scheme, though eligibility criteria for the permanent program is yet to be announced. Should further funding become available in future, the government may expand the applicant pool, says RTÉ. 

An external report conducted by Alma Economics displays that the pilot scheme cost €72 million to instigate, but generated nearly €80 million for the Irish economy. Furthermore, the recipients’ arts-related income increased on average by €500 a month, and the need for other social programs declined.

Patrick O’Donovan, Ireland’s minister for culture, communications and sport, said in a statement, “the economic return on this investment in Ireland’s artists and creative arts workers is having an immediate positive impact on the sector and the economy overall”.

Will Ireland’s progressive move spark inspiration for the UK?

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