Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has opened a public consultation on the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) programme.
Initially introduced as a three-year pilot in September 2022, the BIA was extended in June and will now run until February 2026.
The initiative aims to tackle the challenges of low and unpredictable earnings in the arts sector by offering €325 per week to 2,000 artists and arts workers, randomly selected, to support their creative practice.
A recently released government report on the scheme found that it has had a 'significant' impact in easing financial stress for recipients, while also allowing more time to dedicate to their artistic work. Participants also reported feeling a stronger sense of professional recognition and greater independence.
These findings build on earlier reports from 2023 and 2024, which highlighted reduced levels of depression and anxiety, along with higher life satisfaction among those involved.
The Department is now inviting feedback from the public, including artists and cultural organisations, via a short six-question survey. The consultation will help shape government decisions on the scheme’s future, ahead of Budget 2025.
Respondents are asked to share their views on whether the BIA should become permanent, how beneficiaries should be chosen, the appropriate length of support, and whether the current payment level is adequate. An open comment section is also included.
You can access the survey here. Submissions are being accepted from 12th August until 5th September 2025.
