In 2026, Ireland’s Basic Income Scheme will become permanently implemented. The Basic Income for Arts (BIA) pilot scheme has been running since 2022, aiming to support the arts through providing €325 per week to artists. Artists could apply under music, visual arts, literature, film, architecture, and more. The New York Times reported that out of over 9,000 applicants, 2,000 were selected for the program. 1,000 other participants were chosen to be monitored without payment, serving as a control group.

According to a press release on the matter from the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport, the research from the Pilot “proves that the BIA successfully sustains artists careers and reduces the income precarity which is a feature of a career in the arts.”A recent survey shows that Ireland is generally supportive of the BIA. According to a press release, “97% of the wider public and the arts sector support making the scheme permanent.” However, the program is not immune from criticism. Although 50% think that  €325 per week is a just level of funding, 44% believe that it should be raised. In addition, 47% believe that funding should be provided based on economic need, 37.5% think it should be based on merit, and 14% are in agreement with random selection. There were 17,000 overall respondents to the survey, including members of the public, recipients of funding through BIA, non government-paid artists, representatives of arts organizations, and more. Minister Patrick O’Donovan went on to say, “I am heartened to see that members of the general public make up a large share of respondents, showing that BIA is appreciated not only by the arts sector but also by society at large.”