Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
599. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to provide a breakdown of the 2,000 recipients of the so-called ‘basic income for the arts’ scheme, by the artistic or creative area or field or sector they work in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14060/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to launch the successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot on Tuesday 10th February following Government agreement at Cabinet. I am grateful to my Cabinet colleagues for their support for the BIA, an initiative which I believe sets Ireland apart in how we support our artists.
The period of the Pilot scheme was initially 2022 - 2025, which I then extended for a further 6 months to February 2026, to allow work to begin on the successor scheme. The following is the breakdown by artform of those who were selected to receive the payment under the pilot scheme.
|
Primary Art form |
Freq. |
Percent of total |
|
Circus, Spectacle & Street Arts |
21 |
1.05 |
|
Dance |
32 |
1.60 |
|
Film |
169 |
8.45 |
|
Literature |
173 |
8.65 |
|
Music |
547 |
27.36 |
|
Theatre |
147 |
7.35 |
|
Traditional arts |
29 |
1.45 |
|
Visual arts |
688 |
34.42 |
|
Multidisciplinary |
151 |
7.55 |
|
Other (includes 1 blank) |
43 |
2.10 |
|
Total |
2000 |
100.00 |
The research has consistently demonstrated both the positive impact the BIA has had for those in receipt of it and how difficult it is to work as an artist in Ireland given the income precarity prevalent in the sector. The BIA successor scheme will help to sustain the careers of those artists who will receive it and retain their talent in the arts sector.
The focus of the BIA successor scheme is to support professional Irish based artists and the parameters are:
• 2,000 artists will receive a payment of €325 per week for 3 years;
• Artists must be resident in the Republic of Ireland when applying and their artistic practice must be based in Ireland;
• Participants of the pilot scheme can apply, once they meet the eligibility criteria of the new scheme;
• Applications will open in May with payments starting by year end;
• Guidelines will be published in April setting out detailed eligibility criteria for the new scheme and how to apply.
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.
