Ireland launches world first permanent basic income for artists
Ireland launched a permanent basic income scheme today for 2,000 creative workers. The program provides weekly payments to help support artistic productivity.
The Irish government has launched a permanent basic income scheme for the arts (permanent programme) in Ireland
IE, pledging to pay 2,000 creative workers €325 per week. This announcement, made on February 10, 2026, follows the conclusion of a three-year trial begun in 2022. The decision to make the programme permanent comes after data from the pilot period showed significant improvements in the lives of those in the arts sector.









