Public asked to have say on future of Basic Income For Artists scheme

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, today launched a nationwide public consultation on the future of Basic Income for the Arts. 

Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot research programme which has been running since August 2022.

2,000 artists are in receipt of €325 per week in order to support their creative practice.

The primary objective of the scheme is to help artists deal with precarious incomes and to prevent talent from leaving the sector for economic reasons.

While the research phase of the pilot scheme is still ongoing, 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.

As the pilot comes to an end in February 2026, the public is invited to share their views on the future of the policy. Reports on the impact of the scheme on the artists participating can be found here: Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme: Reports

The consultation invites feedback from the public, stakeholders, and advocacy groups. The consultation will give members of the public and stakeholder organisations the opportunity to express their views on the future of BIA. Anyone is welcome to contribute.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan said “I encourage the sector and the wider public to engage with the consultation, and look forward to suggestions, as they will inform our approach.”

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

The public consultation can be accessed HERE. The consultation period will run from 12 August to 5 September.