Minister for Culture Announces Public Consultation on Basic Income for the Arts

Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
Deadline: 5 September

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has announced a nationwide public consultation on the future of the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme in Ireland.

Complete Survey here

Launched as a pilot artist funding programme in August 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts supports 2,000 artists and creative practitioners with €325 per week to develop their creative practice. The scheme aims to tackle precarious incomes in the arts sector and prevent talented artists from leaving the industry for economic reasons.

Early research shows the BIA scheme is having a positive impact on artistic practice, career sustainability, well-being, and sectoral retention.

With the pilot set to conclude in February 2026, the Department is inviting artists, cultural organisations, stakeholders, and the public to share their views and help shape the future of this important arts funding initiative in Ireland.

Reports on the scheme’s impact can be accessed here

Have your say today and contribute to the future of artist funding in Ireland.

To complete the survey, follow this link: ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/2025-public-consultation-BIA