Basic Income for the Arts scheme guidelines released

Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) 2026-2029 scheme guidelines have been published by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan.

The guidelines outlining eligibility criteria were made available online on Wednesday, April 1, with the applications opening on April 15 until May 12.

The scheme was officially established at a conference on February 10. It follows the BIA pilot programme, which began in 2022 and ran for three years.

With a budget of €18.27m, the programme will give 2000 artists €325 per week paid for three years, to alleviate the financial strain of their art-making. The scheme will support practicing professional artists based in the Republic of Ireland.

All Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria, included in the guidelines before they apply. They're also required to collect proofs of active practice and details for a survey.

"When I launched the scheme in February, I spoke about how important this scheme is not just for artists, but for society in general," said Minister O'Donnovan.

"This is a ground-breaking scheme for the arts, and places Ireland as a world-leader in how we support our artists and thereby our culture. A culture which is a keystone of how we present ourselves internationally, how we promote tourism and Foreign Direct Investment into Ireland and how we understand and communicate what it is to be Irish."

The BIA Pilot was the first large scale Randomised Control Trial undertaken by the Irish Government. It has provided evidence for the policy of the new scheme.

Those who were on the Pilot may also apply for the new scheme as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Applications will be assessed over the summer, with payment to selected artists beginning before the end of 2026.

You can find all guidelines here.