Budget 2026: Artist says income scheme stays too narrow

Darren Kelleher, who owns and runs the Cork-based talent and actors agency Bloom.

Pending Budget 2026 measures that will make the Government’s basic income scheme for artists a permanent fixture has been criticised for not going far enough to help struggling artists.

Darren Kelleher, who owns and runs the Cork-based talent and actors agency Bloom, said it’s important that more artists are given the opportunity to hone their crafts without the added pressure of financial insecurity.