Ireland is setting a good example: from 2026, the basic income for artists, which initially started as a pilot project, is to be continued on a permanent basis. This shows how research can initiate political change – and gives hope to all those who believe in the potential of a basic income.
Following the positive study results of its pilot project, Ireland is taking the next step: from 2026, the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) is to be continued on a permanent basis. This was announced by Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan at the beginning of October in a meeting on the 2026 budget.
The pilot project was launched in April 2022 by the then Minister of Culture Catherine Martin as a three-year trial – in response to the pandemic and to stabilize artists and cultural workers financially.
Out of around 9,000 applicants, 2,000 were lucky enough to win a weekly payment of 325 euros. A control group of 1,000 people was used to validate the scientific monitoring.