Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
185. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport when the next round of the basic income for artists will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted yesterday to announce that Cabinet has agreed on the broad parameters for a successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. Applications will open for the new scheme in 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. The research clearly demonstrated both how precarious and difficult it is to be an artist and also the positive benefits for society as a whole if we invest in our artists.
The focus of the successor scheme is to support professional Irish based artists whose creative practice is largely based in Ireland.
I can confirm that the BIA pilot scheme will end in February 2026, which is when the final pilot payment will be made to the current cohort of recipients. I will publish guidelines in the coming weeks setting out the detailed eligibility criteria for the new scheme. The broad parameters of the new scheme will be as follows:
- 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week.
- the payments will last for 3 years.
- participants of the pilot scheme can apply for the new scheme if they are eligible under the criteria of the new scheme.
I am grateful to my Government colleagues for their support for this ground-breaking support for the arts in Ireland and recognising the importance of supporting artistic practice. This support 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.
