Irma McLoughlin from Performing Arts Forum makes a case for the retention of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, launched by the Irish government in 2022 to provide a basic weekly income for artists.
A number of artist resource organisations are working together to retain, extend and expand Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts Pilot.
What is Basic Income for the Arts?
Currently a three-year pilot scheme, Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme launched in 2022. Following over 9,000 applications, 2,000 artists and arts workers presently receive a weekly basic income of €325 and this is treated similarly to other forms of taxable income. By providing a reliable income, the BIA aims to reduce the financial pressures that often force artists to abandon their creative work or take on multiple jobs. This initiative not only supports the individual artists but also enriches the cultural fabric of society by allowing more art to flourish.
Why is it needed?
Earning a living as an artist is fraught with challenges, including low pay rates, long working hours, poor working conditions, minimal benefits, and a lack of pension provision. With housing, childcare, and healthcare becoming increasingly unaffordable, sustaining a career in the arts often requires significant personal sacrifice. Basic income can alleviate this burden, allowing artists to focus more on their creative work rather than worrying about their day-to-day financial survival.
A ground-breaking pilot to be proud of
Through the leadership of Minister Catherine Martin, Ireland has taken a significant step in supporting and investing in its artists with the introduction of this pilot. While Ireland is not the first to explore basic income models, our BIA scheme represents a significant and focused effort to support the arts sector directly, reflecting a growing global interest in sustaining and nurturing creative industries.
What are the results so far?
The BIA pilot has demonstrated significant benefits for artists, improving their economic stability, mental health, and ability to focus on their creative work. These promising results highlight the potential for basic income schemes to transform the lives of artists and enrich our cultural landscape.
Detailed results can be seen here.
Retain, Extend and Expand
The BIA is currently a pilot programme (2022 to 2025) and requires further commitment to ensure its long-term success and expansion. Extending basic income for the arts in Ireland supports individual artists while also strengthening the cultural fabric and economic vitality of the country. It represents a strategic investment in creativity, diversity, and the overall well-being of society.
A number of artist resource organisations including First Music Contact, Performing Arts Forum, National Campaign for the Arts, Dance Ireland, Create, Irish Theatre Institute, Poetry Ireland, Irish Street Art, Circus and Spectacle Network, Visual Artists Ireland and lots more have come together to create a petition to Retain, Extend and Expand the pilot which already has well over 5,000 signatures. Reading through the 'reasons for signing' section of the survey gives a poignant illustration of the personal and systemic challenges facing artists and why this scheme is so necessary.
By retaining and expanding this programme, we can ensure that our artists continue to enrich our culture while securing their livelihoods.
Find out more about the petition to retain, extend and expand the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme here.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
