- Culture
- 04 Sep 25
Basic Income for the Arts report finds recipients are less likely to experience anxiety and depression
The report found that those who received BIA were better able to afford basic necessities
The Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan TD has published a report on findings from two years of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot data.
The report found that recipients are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and report higher life satisfaction. They are also more likely to be able to afford basic necessities.
The report also confirmed BIA recipients are better able to 'make ends meet' and experience greater wellbeing.
It found that BIA payment is having a sustained positive impact on recipients’ lives. Recipients are spending more time on their arts practice, report higher financial investment in their arts practice, and are producing more pieces of work when compared to a control group.
At the same time, BIA recipients are spending less time working in other sectors.
It showed that the BIA has no influence on the likelihood to undertake unpaid work in the arts, to apply for arts funding, or to undertake artistic residencies.
“While no decision on a successor scheme has yet been made, I have made it clear that I would like to see the scheme continued and I look forward to sharing this report with my colleagues as part of Budget 2026 discussions," said O'Donovan.
The full Basic Income for the Arts report can be accessed here.
