Minister announces 6-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts scheme

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, today announced a six-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot scheme for those who are currently participating in the scheme.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said:

“The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme. I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme.”

Minister O’Donovan met recently with the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) to hear its views on the scheme in detail.

The Minister added:

“I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts.  To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.”

The Department is currently preparing a report examining the first 24 months of the scheme. An interview research paper, written by an independent researcher, was published recently. This paper collects the experiences of BIA recipients, who have been interviewed by a sociologist. A cost-benefit analysis paper is also being prepared.
While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, it is clear from evidence collected to date 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
• experience 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.

A Government decision will be required on a successor scheme to the pilot.