Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Research Scheme 2022 - 2026

The BIA is a pilot research programme which will inform future government policy on how best to support Ireland’s artists and creative arts workers.

The research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing and it is clear from evidence collected to date under the scheme that it is having a positive impact on participants. This data shows that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation.

Artists in receipt of the support are typically able to devote more time to their art, produce more pieces of work, experience a boost to their wellbeing through greater life satisfaction and reduced anxiety, and are protected from the precariousness of incomes in the sector to a greater degree than those who are not receiving the support.

Background to the BIA pilot scheme

The Arts and Culture Taskforce, established in September 2020, was tasked by Minister Martin with producing a report to include a set of recommendations on how best the arts and culture sector could adapt and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number one recommendation from the taskforce report "Life Worth Living Report" was to pilot a Basic Income scheme for a three-year period in the arts, culture, audio-visual and live performance and events sectors.

As part of the National Economic Recovery Plan, launched on 1 June 2021, Minister Martin secured a commitment from Government for a Basic Income Pilot Scheme for artists.

The Minister allocated €25 million as part of Budget 2022 to provide for the launch of the pilot scheme.

Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce Report published

Scheme Development

Throughout 2021, the Department engaged in a policy development process, which has involved discussions with the Life Worth Living Oversight Group, engaging with sectoral stakeholders, convening an inter-departmental working group to assess challenges, and reviewing international research and best practice. The Department used this work to inform its proposal for a pilot Basic Income for the Arts (BIA).

Stakeholder engagement has been core to the policy development process and this has included a stakeholder forum on 15th December 2021, where over 150 participants from 50 artists and arts workers resource and representative bodies came together to discuss the proposal.

A public consultation took place throughout the month of January 2022. The purpose of the consultation was to ensure that the general public, artists and creative arts workers, and those working in the arts and culture sector have the opportunity to contribute to policy development for the pilot scheme.

Basic Income for the Arts - Public Consultation Report

The pilot scheme was open for applications from the 12th April to the 12th May 2022.

For information on the scheme, please read the reports on the Pilot Scheme and the guidelines for BIA PILOT SCHEME applicants

Answers to some frequently asked questions were available here: Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme: Answers to some common questions

Panel discussion with Minister December 2023 - https://youtu.be/aFkSKhoVJOs

Address by Minister at Status of the Artist in Ireland conference, May 2024 - https://youtu.be/Gq6PIOcTMEk