"As Ireland's $1,500-a-month basic income pilot program for creatives nears its end in February, officials have to answer a simple question: Is it worth it? With four months to go, they say the answer is yes. Earlier this month, Ireland's government announced its 2026 budget, which includes "a successor to the pilot Basic Income Scheme for the Arts to begin next year" among its expenditures."
"Ireland first launched its basic income pilot program in 2022, when some 2,000 artists began receiving a weekly stipend of €325, or about $370. Although officials initially scheduled the pilot program to end this August, Patrick O'Donovan, the minister for culture, communications, and sport in Ireland, extended it to February 2026. Citizens who participated in the pilot program said the payments improved their daily lives. A report published by Ireland's government in May said the payments reduced financial stress, allowed for professional growth,"
Ireland will convert its basic income for artists into a permanent program in 2026 after a multi-year pilot showed positive outcomes. The pilot began in 2022 with about 2,000 artists receiving a weekly €325 stipend (about $370), later described as $1,500 monthly in reporting, and was extended to February 2026. Participants reported reduced financial stress, improved mental health, and greater capacity for professional growth. The 2026 budget includes funding to continue the scheme. The move follows global interest in basic income approaches amid COVID-19 recovery and concerns about AI-driven job displacement.
Read at Business Insider
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]