National Campaign for the Arts welcomes Basic Income for the Arts becoming permanent: "This is a landmark commitment by the government"

The National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) has welcomed the announcement that the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) will be made permanent.

The decision was confirmed by Minister Patrick O'Donovan as part of Budget 2026, and follows the conclusion of a three-year pilot programme.

Describing the move as “a landmark commitment by the government to stabilise precarious working conditions in the arts,” the NCFA said the decision marks a historic shift in state support for Ireland’s cultural sector.

The initiative was initially launched in 2022 by former Minister Catherine Martin.

Key findings from the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot include its positive impact on artist retention, with the scheme helping to sustain careers in a sector where 53% of workers face enforced deprivation, compared to the national average of 17%.

The programme also contributed to improvements in mental health, as well as being proven to be economically beneficial, returning €1.39 for every €1 invested into the scheme. Additionally, recipients reported a 40% increase in their creative output.

“The significance of this scheme in addressing broader challenges faced by artists cannot be overlooked," said the NCFA in a statement. "By retaining and expanding this groundbreaking initiative, we can ensure our artists and arts workers continue to enrich national culture while also securing their livelihoods.”

Read the full statement below:

 

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