Thousands more artists join Ireland's basic income plan

6 hours ago

Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts plan is now permanent after a successful three-year pilot, with thousands more artists receiving €325 weekly for three years starting summer.
Financial analysis shows a positive return: for every €1 invested, €1.39 was returned to the economy via taxes, spending, and reduced welfare costs.
Artists reported significant improvements, spending 11 more hours weekly on creative work, increasing arts-related income and expenditure, and experiencing reduced anxiety and depression.
The program, the world's first permanent basic income for artists, has 97% public support from a survey and renews every three years, with current recipients ineligible to reapply in 2029.
While celebrated, some advocate expanding it beyond the three-year limit to address structural income insecurity in the arts sector.
Other countries like Canada, Wales, and South Korea are showing interest in basic income models following Ireland's success, though the United States has not seen similar momentum.

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