The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in Ireland has confirmed the successor scheme to a pilot initiative that saw some 2,000 artists receiving a weekly payment of €325.
The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), announced 10 February, will use the €18.27 million set aside for it by the Irish government in Budget 2026.
Practising artists will be invited to apply for the scheme in May, after which 2,000 will be selected to receive a payment of €325 per week from 2026 through 2029, with a tapering-off period of three months at the end.
The BIA will operate in three-year cycles, with artists eligible for every three out of six years, meaning artists on the 2026 cycle will not be able to apply again until 2032.
Guidelines outlining the details of criteria and parameters for the scheme are currently being finalised by the government and will be published in April, with applications due to be assessed over summer in time for the first payments to begin before the end of the year.
“I am particularly pleased that the research my department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision. Ireland is a global leader in the area of artist supports because of the BIA.”
“The NCFA cannot ignore the importance of this scheme in addressing the broader challenges faced by artists, including housing affordability and the need for sustainable career paths within the arts sector.”
To be considered, eligible artists must be resident in Ireland when applying, be a professional artist with a professional creative practice and have a creative practice which is primarily based in Ireland.
The government website explains that “a high volume of applications is expected”, meaning not all eligible applicants will be able to attain funding.
