Kildare based Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has welcomed Irelands Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme. This new pilot sets out to support artists and creative art workers.
Speaking on the announcement, Senator O’Loughlin said “This is a great scheme that will examine the impact of basic income for artists over three years. It is vital to recognise the important role arts plays here in Ireland, we are an island full of talented artists and this scheme will provide a source of income for them.”
“Applications will open on Tuesday 12th of April and closes on Thursday 12th of May 2022. 2,000 eligible artists and creative arts workers will be selected at random and receive payments of €325 per week.”
“When the Life Worth Living Report was published by the Government in 2020 a basic income for the arts sector was one of the top recommendations they made. The report was established to figure out how the arts sector would recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. I am pleased to see the Government following through and providing for artists.”
“The scheme is a step forward in how Ireland supports the arts sector. I have no doubt this scheme will help many artists and creative professionals. A stakeholder consultation forum was held in December 2021, this was attended by 150 participants from 50 representative and resource organisations in the arts and culture sector. In January 2022, a public consultation was held on the issue.”
Senator O’Loughlin concluded by saying “I am looking forward to seeing the results of this pilot scheme, and I hope it provides some relief for artists across Ireland.”
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