Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
646. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the documentation that is required to apply for the basic income for the arts scheme to prove that people are artists; if proof of being an artist must be validated through the third party (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30027/26]
View answerI was delighted to open the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot last week. Guidelines for the new scheme were published on 1st April and application will be open for the scheme until Tuesday 12th May, with 2,000 places available for artists to receive a weekly payment of €325.
This is a major milestone for the arts in Ireland and I am particularly pleased that the research my Department conducted provided Government with a clear evidence base upon which to make that decision.
Professional memberships of VAI (Visual Artists' Ireland) is one of the proofs that an applicant to the BIA is welcome to submit to prove their eligibility for the scheme. The proofs that are accepted are listed in the Guidelines for the BIA 2026 - 2029: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-culture-communications-and-sport/publications/basic-income-for-the-arts-scheme-2026-2029-guidelines-for-application/ and applicants are welcome to apply with other proofs listed. It is important to note that three proofs are needed for each applicant and membership of one of these organisations is only one of the ways in which an applicant can evidence their eligibility for the scheme. There are other ways listed to evidence active, professional practice eligible for the BIA.
If an applicant has used a VAI membership as a proof of eligibility and my officials have queries about a specific VAI proof when they are assessing applications, they will be able to approach VAI for verification.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional artists whose creative practice is based in Ireland. With an allocation of €18.27 million for 2026, the Department is in a position to fund 2,000 artists. The 2026-2029 BIA scheme is focused on artists with an active professional practice.
This is a ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice and makes Ireland a world-leader in how we support our artists and culture and will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
