Second tranche of successful Basic Income for the Arts applicants notified

Peter Burke TD announced that the second batch of successful applicants to the Basic Income for the Arts scheme were notified of their status on Thursday. Over 10,000 people reportedly applied for the grant this May, of whom 2,000 were accepted.

The first tranche of 780 artists were notified of their selection for the scheme on October 15. An additional 450 heard that their application was successful on November 12, bringing the total of confirmed recipients up to 1,230. A third tranche is due to follow before Christmas, with additional tranches possibly stretching into 2027.

One of the key criteria for eligibility is proof of actively creating art, as well as current residence in Ireland.

The scheme, which is in its first run following a successful trial, will support artists with payments of €325 weekly for three years. To enable this, Budget 2027 includes an allocation of €34.4 million for the scheme.

Recipients notified in 2026 will receive payments backdated to September 2026, while anyone contacted after New Year's will receive payments backdated to January 2027.

The Department for Culture, Communications and Sport says it is "processing the applications as promptly as possible". Peter Burke TD is Minister for this department.

The scheme was found to reduce anxiety and depression in artists, who reported higher life satisfaction and were more easily able to afford necessities. The pilot, which ran from 2022 to 2025, reportedly produced over €100 million in economic gains.