10/10/2025
Ireland’s government has approved plans to permanently implement a basic income scheme that will support up to 2,200 artists, creative workers and musicians next year.
After being piloted in 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme will now become permanent under Budget 2026, secured by the Minister for Culture, Patrick O’Donovan.
The scheme originally aimed to “address the financial instability faced by many working in the arts”, encouraging artists and creative arts workers to apply for a weekly allowance.
Participants in the new permanent scheme will receive €325 a week, with payments made monthly. Those eligible will be able to apply from September 2026.