A Clare musician has described the retention of a scheme providing income support to artists as a good start but insists it doesn’t offer the stability the sector desperately needs.
The Basic Income for the Arts scheme has been made permanent this week, making Ireland the first country in the world to offer a weekly payment to artists.
Culture, Communications and Sport Minister Patrick O’Donovan has announced the successor to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, which was introduced in 2022.
In its initial form, the scheme gave €325 to 2,000 successful applicants nationwide, including 54 in Clare.
After a period of uncertainty, the minister has confirmed that the initiative is now permanent and has invited practicing artists to apply.
The scheme, which will provide a payment of €325 per week to 2,000 successful candidates, will be for three years with a three-month tapering off period at the end of the cycle.
The new iteration will operate in three-year cycles, with artists being eligible for three years at a time, meaning they can’t receive the payment in two successive cycles.
Ennis-based singer-songwriter Laura Mulcahy says while it’s welcome to see it retained, it doesn’t give artists the security they’re looking for.
A report compiled on the impact of the pilot scheme found it generated over €100 million in social and economic value with a return of €1.39 for every €1 invested.
Recipients have also claimed the weekly payment resulted in a decrease in depression and anxiety while improving their life satisfaction.
National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee member Peter Power wants to see the scheme expanded going forward.
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