Artists and creatives in Galway are being urged to apply to take part in a pilot scheme that will see 2,000 people in the sector receive a basic income payment for the next three years.
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme will see artists and creative arts workers paid €325 per week. Eligible recipients will be chosen at random and the application process opens on April 12.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Minister Hildegarde Naughton, said the initiative recognises the importance of the arts sector, and places a value on creative practice and the production of art.
“The arts are part of our national identity and, in Galway, we know better than most the value and importance of culture and creativity to our society and our economy,” she said.
“The introduction of this scheme is an acknowledgement of the contribution of the sector to Irish life, and it’s also an opportunity to create conditions in which artistic excellence can flourish in the coming years.
“Galway will obviously be at the heart of any such revival, given our proud tradition and reputation as a cradle for the arts. It’s therefore an exciting development for us locally,” added Minister Naughton.
The Fine Gael TD urged local artists and creatives to apply for the pilot scheme once it opens next week. Applications will continue to be accepted until May 12.
The payment is intended to enable artists to focus on their work without having to enter into employment in other sectors to sustain themselves. It would also provide an income at times when no revenue is being generated.
“The BIA payment would also be a tangible acknowledgement of the value that the arts and creative practice contribute to our society,” added Minister Naughton.
A total of 2,000 recipients will be randomly selected from the pool of eligible applicants. They will receive a total of €1,250 per month under the pilot scheme.
Unsuccessful applicants will be invited to participate in a control group to facilitate an appraisal of the pilot. This will help to evaluate the impact of the payment by comparing the outcome for those who received it and those who did not.
