Ireland Makes History as Basic Income for Artists Scheme Becomes World's First Permanent Programme
Ireland has made history by becoming the first country in the world to permanently establish a basic income scheme for a specific sector, with the government confirming that the Basic Income for the Arts programme — which provides a weekly stipend of EUR325 to artists — is now a permanent fixture of Irish cultural policy.
The pilot scheme, launched in 2022, supported over 2,000 artists and was found to have generated EUR100 million in economic and social benefits, making the case for its continuation overwhelming.
Background
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot was introduced by the Irish government in 2022 in response to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the arts sector. Artists, musicians, writers, and performers were among the hardest hit by lockdowns and venue closures, and the scheme was designed to provide financial stability that would allow them to continue creating. The pilot was the first of its kind in the world for a specific sector.
Key Developments
The scheme provides a weekly payment of EUR325 to participating artists, allowing them to work full-time in their field without the need for supplementary employment. An independent evaluation found that the programme generated EUR100 million in economic and social benefits, including increased cultural output, improved mental health among participants, and greater community engagement with the arts.
Artist Elinor O'Donovan, one of the scheme's beneficiaries, described its transformative impact: before receiving the payment, she was working part-time as a receptionist just to afford her rent and was considering moving abroad. Now she works full-time as an artist, with the scheme giving her the flexibility and freedom to take creative risks.
Why It Matters
Ireland's decision to make the scheme permanent is being watched closely by governments and arts organisations around the world. The programme demonstrates that targeted basic income schemes can deliver measurable economic and social returns, and could serve as a model for other countries considering similar initiatives. For Ireland's cultural sector, the permanent scheme provides the long-term security that artists need to plan their careers and take creative risks.
What's Next
The government is expected to open applications for the permanent scheme in the coming months. Arts organisations across Ireland have welcomed the announcement and are calling for the scheme to be expanded to reach more artists. Read more from Positive News.
