Minister rolls out world first permanent basic income scheme for arts

Move will "set Ireland apart from other countries with regard to how we value culture and creativity"

Arts and culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan in Dublin launching a permanent basic income of 325 euro for 2,000 artists in Ireland, after a successful pilot programme. Picture: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA 

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media Patrick O'Donovan rolled out a permanent basic income scheme for the arts on Tuesday, pledging to pay 2,000 creative workers €325 per week following a trial that participants said eased financial strain and allowed them to spend more time on projects.

Ireland began the three-year trial in 2022 to help artists recover from covid shutdowns. While similar pilots have been tried in San Francisco and New York, Mr O'Donovan said the scheme was the first permanent one of its kind in the world.