Basic Income for the Arts Scheme 2026-2029 Guidelines for Application (gov.ie)

• 2,000 artists to receive €325/week for three years from Q4 2026, selected by random sampling from eligible applicants.
• Applicants required to prove professional artistic practice with three proofs, at least two from Irish organisations.
• Scheme includes annual audits, tax compliance, and interaction with social welfare through self-employment income treatment.

"The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport published guidelines for the Basic Income for the Arts scheme on 1 April 2026. The scheme will provide €325 per week to 2,000 professional artists for three years, with payments starting in Q4 2026 backdated to September. Selection is via anonymised random sampling from eligible applicants. Applicants must provide three proofs of professional artistic practice, with at least two from Irish organisations. The scheme includes annual audits, tax compliance, and interaction with social welfare. The application window was 15 April to 12 May 2026. Recently graduated artists have a separate stream with up to 100 places."