Ireland plans to make a $1,500 a month basic income for artists permanent

Ireland will make its basic income program for artists a permanent initiative beginning in 2026, following the conclusion of its multi-year trial.

Under the plan, eligible artists will receive weekly payments of about $375—roughly $1,500 per month. The program will open 2,000 slots, with applications expected to begin in September 2026. Specific qualification criteria have not yet been released, and according to Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, the government may expand the number of participants in future years if additional funding becomes available.

The current pilot began in 2022 as a pandemic recovery measure for the arts sector, which experienced severe income losses from canceled shows, exhibitions, and live events. The trial was originally scheduled to end earlier, but received a six-month extension and is now set to conclude in February.

During the pilot, applicants could apply from fields such as visual arts, theater, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus arts, and architecture. Candidates had to provide two documents proving professional status—such as evidence of art-related income, membership in a cultural organization, or published reviews. According to The New York Times, over 9,000 people applied; of those, 8,200 qualified, and 2,000 were selected at random to receive payments. Another 1,000 eligible applicants formed a control group who did not receive funding but were monitored for comparison.

A recent independent evaluation by the U.K.–based firm Alma Economics concluded that the pilot cost €72 million, yet generated nearly €80 million in economic benefits. The report found that artists receiving income support increased their arts-related earnings by more than €500 per month, reduced non-arts work income by roughly €280, and relied less on other social support programs, receiving €100 less in benefits per month on average.

“This investment is already delivering meaningful results for artists and for the broader economy,” said Patrick O’Donovan, Ireland’s minister for culture, communications, and sport.

The report further indicated that if the program expands and becomes permanent, artistic output could rise by 22%, and the average price of art for consumers could decrease by 9% to 25%.