€325 per week for 2,000 eligible artists and creative arts workers under Basic Income for the Arts Scheme
I welcome the launch of a new and pioneering pilot scheme to support artists and creative arts workers.
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, launched by my colleague Minister Catherine Martin, will examine, over a three year period, the impact of a basic income on artists and creative arts workers. Payments of €325 per week will be made to 2,000 eligible artists and creative arts workers who will be selected at random and invited to take part. The scheme will open for applications on April 12th.
The last two years have had a devastating impact on artists and creative arts workers here. It is indeed timely that this Government has committed to providing this level of never-before-seen support for artists as they rebuild their livelihoods. My colleague, Minister Martin secured funding in the budget and has now launched this scheme because she wants the arts not just to recover, but to flourish.
Speaking at the launch, my colleague Minister Catherine Martin, TD said “This pilot scheme represents a ground-breaking opportunity for us to explore how the role of the artist in Irish society can be protected and nurtured so we can continue to be inspired by great art for generations to come.”
There are a large number of artists in Laois and Offaly and I encourage them to apply. Staff in my office have already been briefed on the scheme and the application process and are happy to provide more information or assistance to constituency based Artists making an application.
The scheme will open for applications on Tuesday, 12 April and close on Thursday, 12 May
ENDS