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Ireland is set to launch a permanent basic income program for artists in 2026, following a successful three-year pilot that demonstrated significant economic and social benefits. The initiative aims to provide financial stability to cultural workers, a sector severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of live performances and the closure of venues.
Under the new program, 2,000 selected artists will receive weekly payments of approximately $375, totaling about $1,500 per month. Applications for this program will open in September 2026, though specific eligibility criteria have not yet been finalized. The Irish government has indicated that the program could expand if additional funding becomes available.
Originally launched in 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot program was designed to support professional artists, including visual artists, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, and various other cultural workers. Out of more than 9,000 applicants, 8,200 were deemed eligible, with 2,000 randomly selected to receive the payments. A control group of 1,000 participants did not receive funds but were monitored for comparative analysis.
A recent report by Alma Economics evaluated the pilot program, revealing a cost of €72 million but yielding nearly €80 million in economic benefits for Ireland. Artists involved in the pilot reported an average increase of over €500 in monthly income from arts-related activities, while income from non-arts jobs decreased. This shift indicates that the program allowed artists to focus more on their creative work. Participants also reported a reduced reliance on other social services, suggesting an overall positive impact on their financial independence.
Public support for the program is substantial, with a 2023 government survey indicating that 97 percent of 17,000 respondents favored the initiative. However, there are differing opinions on participant selection criteria, with preferences split between prioritizing economic need, artistic merit, and random selection.
As Ireland moves forward with this groundbreaking program, it has garnered international interest as a potential model for universal basic income (UBI). Advocates argue that the success of Ireland’s artist-focused basic income could pave the way for similar income support programs across different sectors globally, highlighting the viability of UBI as a solution to modern economic challenges.
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