Ireland Becomes First Country to Make Basic Income for Artists Permanent

A World First in Social Policy

When Ireland launched a basic income scheme for artists during the pandemic, it was meant to be a lifeline. It turned out to be an investment with extraordinary returns.

The programme provides 2,000+ artists with a weekly stipend of €325 (£283), freeing them from the precarious scramble of part-time work. An independent study found it generated €100 million in social and economic benefits — a 4:1 return on the €25 million investment.

This week, the Irish government made it permanent — making Ireland the first country in the world to adopt an ongoing basic income programme of any kind.

"Before I started receiving it, I was working part-time as a receptionist just to afford my rent," said artist Elinor O'Donovan. "Now I work full-time as an artist. It's given me the flexibility that the job of an artist requires and has allowed me to take risks. I've gone into film and I was able to pay other people to work with me on it."

Key Facts

• €325/week (£283) to 2,000+ artists
• €25 million cost → €100 million in social/economic benefits (4:1 return)
• World's first permanent basic income programme
• Launched during pandemic (2022), made permanent February 2026

Why This Matters

This is proof of concept for basic income at a national level. The 4:1 economic return demolishes the argument that direct cash transfers are wasteful. Artists who stayed in Ireland, took creative risks, and hired collaborators generated far more value than the programme cost. It could inspire similar schemes globally.

What We Don't Know Yet

The scheme covers only 2,000 artists — far short of demand. It's limited in scope and doesn't test universal basic income more broadly. The €100 million benefit figure includes "social" benefits that are harder to quantify. Whether it survives future governments is unknown.

Sources: Irish Government · Positive News