The Government’s basic income scheme for artists is set to become a permanent fixture from next year, with 2,000 new places to be made available under Budget 2026.
Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan has secured agreement with other Government departments to continue and expand the initiative, which had previously operated on a pilot basis.
Participants in the scheme receive a weekly payment of €325.
A new application window will open in September 2026, with eligibility criteria broadened to include additional artistic disciplines not covered under the original pilot.
The pilot programme, launched in 2022, provided basic income support to 2,000 artists and creative arts workers across Ireland.
It aimed to support the arts sector’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many artists experienced significant income loss due to restrictions on live performances and events.
Minister Patrick O’Donovan
The pilot was administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
While the permanent version of the scheme will initially mirror the pilot in terms of scale, there is provision for a potential expansion to 2,200 participants if additional funding becomes available.
The Department has also signalled its intention to increase capacity further in future years, subject to budgetary considerations.
The scheme provides unconditional, regular payments to eligible artists and creative workers, allowing them to focus on their practice without the pressure of commercial viability.
It is not means-tested and operates independently of social welfare payments.
An independent evaluation of the pilot, published earlier this year, found that recipients reported increased time spent on creative work, reduced financial stress, and improved well-being.
The move to establish the scheme on a permanent basis follows positive feedback from the sector and recommendations from the evaluation report.
