The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD, has published the guidelines for the new Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme, covering the period 2026 to 2029.
The guidelines, which set out eligibility criteria and application requirements, are now available online alongside a detailed frequently asked questions document.
Applications for the scheme will open on 15 April 2026 and will close on 12 May 2026.
The scheme will support 2,000 practising professional artists based in the Republic of Ireland. Successful applicants will receive weekly payments of €325 for a period of three years.
Payments to selected recipients are due to begin before the end of 2026.
Applications will be submitted through an online portal, with artists advised to familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria and prepare the required documentation in advance.
Applicants must provide evidence of active professional artistic practice and information for a research survey as part of the application process.
Professional artists from across the country are eligible to apply, including those who previously participated in the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, provided they meet the criteria for the new programme.
The permanent scheme follows a three‑year pilot scheme undertaken by the government. An external cost‑benefit analysis of the pilot found that every €1 invested generated a return of €1.39 to society.
The programme has a budget of €18.27 million, secured as part of Budget 2026.
Applications will be assessed over the summer, with successful applicants notified later in the year.
Find out more about the new Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme here
