Ireland basic income for artists

Photo Credit: Diogo Palhais

Ireland is set to make its basic income for artists program permanent beginning in 2026—three years after launching a trial.

After launching a trial in 2022, Ireland is due to make its basic income for artists program permanent starting in 2026. Under the program, selected artists receive a weekly payment of approximately $350, for around $1,500 per month. Applications are due to open in September 2026, with 2,000 spots available. Eligibility criteria has yet to be announced, but the Irish government expressed that it may expand the program to additional applicants in the future, if funding permits.

The trial program, which began in 2022, is set to end in February after a six-month extension earlier this year. Notably, the program was launched to offer support to the arts sector following the pandemic, after numerous artists suffered disproportionate income losses due to the cancellation of live shows and events.

“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,” said Patrick O’Donovan, Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport.

During the pilot period, applicants could apply under categories including visual arts, theater, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circuses, and architecture. Applicants had to submit two pieces of evidence proving that they were professionals in their selected categories, such as proof of income, reviews, or membership in a professional body.

At the time, over 9,000 people reportedly applied, with 8,200 found to be eligible and 2,000 selected at random to receive payments. Additionally, another 1,000 eligible applicants were placed in a control group, which was monitored but did not receive funds.

The program remains unconditional, meaning it operates independently of social welfare programs and payments. An independent evaluation of the trial program found that recipients reported increased time spent on creative work, reduced financial stress, and improved well-being.

“As the pilot shows, basic income works, and people need a UBI [Universal Basic Income] now to face and deal with the many social, economic, and ecological crises of our world,” said the UBI Lab Network in a statement. “The Network will continue to help demonstrate basic income within communities and show how it is a sustainable policy.”