New study shows artists living on breadline

A new study shows the country's artists are one of the groups hardest hit by the recession.

Many exist on less than €10,000 a year and have now lost the part-time jobs they need to survive.

Noel Kelly, Director of the representative body Visual Artists Ireland, said they then face problems with the social welfare system.

He said some artists are being told they are not entitled to social welfare payments and are receiving different information in welfare offices around the country.