Basic Income for the Arts: From Pilot to Permanent Support

What was the Basic Income for the Arts?

Launched in 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) was a three-year pilot programme by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Its goal was to provide artists and creative workers with a regular weekly income of €325, helping them focus on their creative practice without constant financial stress.

The pilot supported 2,000 participants across Ireland, chosen randomly from eligible applicants. To qualify, artists needed to show a record of creative or professional work in areas such as visual art, music, performance, or literature.
Participants also agreed to take part in surveys and interviews so that the Government could measure the real impact of basic income on Ireland’s creative community.

Who could apply?

The pilot welcomed professional and emerging artists from a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, theatre, music, literature, circus, performance, film, and traditional arts.
Craftworkers and designers whose main focus was on creative or artistic work were also eligible under the original guidelines.

The new “successor scheme” is expected to follow similar criteria, although final details will be confirmed after the current consultation period.

For creative makers or performers within IOMST’s community, this could be a significant opportunity — especially for those whose work leans toward the artistic or cultural side of craft and design.

How did it go?

Early results from the pilot have been encouraging. According to Government findings, participants were able to:

  • Spend about eight more hours per week on their creative work

  • Invest around €550 extra each month into materials, tools, and professional development

  • Reduce their dependence on other social welfare supports

  • Gain greater confidence, stability, and long-term planning ability in their careers

Overall, the scheme generated an estimated €100 million in social and economic benefits for Ireland’s cultural sector.
For many artists, it was the first time they could focus fully on their craft rather than juggling several part-time jobs just to stay afloat.

Why this matters

Supporting creative work is vital to Ireland’s cultural and community life.
The Basic Income for the Arts recognises that creativity takes time and dedication, and that a small but steady income can make the difference between surviving and thriving as an artist.

A stronger creative sector also benefits the wider community — leading to more festivals, performances, exhibitions, and handmade creations that enrich our local markets and towns.

What’s next?

As part of Budget 2026, the Government announced that the BIA pilot will come to an end next year, but work has begun on a “successor scheme” designed to embed a permanent basic income within the Arts and Culture sector.

While the full details have yet to be released, current plans include:

  • Developing a long-term version of the scheme to replace the pilot

  • Continuing support for artists and creative professionals

  • Using the pilot data to inform a sustainable, national model

  • A possible new round of applications in late 2026

Have your say

Artists, performers, and creative professionals can now take part in the public consultation to help shape the next phase of the scheme.
You can share your views through Screen Ireland’s website or find details on gov.ie.

It’s a valuable opportunity for craftspeople, designers, and performers to make sure their voices are heard in the creation of Ireland’s next major arts support programme.

Timeline: What to expect

  • Now: The pilot continues until early 2026 while evaluation is completed

  • Early 2026: Final results and recommendations published

  • Mid to late 2026: Government expected to confirm the successor scheme and open applications

Artists interested in applying should watch for updates from the Department of Culture and Creative Ireland.

The Basic Income for the Arts has proven that steady, predictable support can make a lasting difference to Ireland’s creative community.
As the scheme moves toward a permanent future, it offers hope of a more secure and sustainable environment for those who enrich our cultural life — from musicians and performers to craftspeople and designers.

For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!

Grainne & Greg

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