Ireland MUST Be Doing SOMETHING Right For Artists.

And they actually came out with information recently about the benefits the economy has seen since they started their project. I also know this is probably a little old, since it's May and the two posts I'm reading up on were both back in February, but I still wanted to talk about it. So having said that, this blog post may seen different from the past two, which have been a bit more personal, and this one will be a bit more informative. Sorry in advanced. Back in 2022, Ireland started a trial program for artists called "Basic Income for Artists," also known as "BIA." Creative name, right? kidding, but back on topic, During this trial program, selected artist's received a weekly payment of $375, just under $1,500 per month. This program has 2,000 spots still available with the applications for a spot to be opened in September of this year (2026)! apparently, when the trial originally opened, 9,000 people applied, with 8,200 deemed eligible. 2,000 of those people were randomly selected for this pilot to receive payments, and 1,000 others that were eligible were set as a control group to really put this test to play. This was a game changer; the Pilot cost about €72 million, and generated NEARLY €80 MILLION in total benefits to the Irish economy. The data also reported that arts-related incomes increased. It increased by more than €500 per month on average. The report also shows that the income from non-arts work decreased by €280, while reliance on other social programs declined, with participants receiving €100 less per month on average. The positive impact from this is astounding... This starting back in 2022 and had immediate impact to the economy, let alone it being positive... Irelands plan to make this permanent also has a big upgrade to it, and is said to likely result in artists producing %22 MORE work and also lowering the average cost of art to consumers but %9-%25.

THIS!!! This is what a basic income can DO for an economy. Granted, for the States to do this? Or other larger digit population to do this? The governments of other countries would have to legitimize their care and actually step up to the plate. I can think of a lot of people who would see "Artists Basic Income" and turn the idea away, especially people who think they can't do art or are "bad at it"(and that is a different fact for a different time). But the benefits to the economy, which in the States, would be one of the best choices I think they would make if they read up on Irelands BIA and converted it to the numbers, pricings, taxes, and so on to the States. Overall, I think in the States specifically, better basic income would be beneficial; Minimum wage raised so people can afford rent, food, basic necessities and a little bit of what I'd call maintenance money (money to put in a savings, emergency fund, be able to afford something for their kids or loved ones, pay off loans, ETC.), the economy would be in a better state, especially if companies stopped using AI and actually invested in artists and designers who were in this hypothetical U.S BIA. CNN interviewed many people in Ireland when this information came out, one of which is named Peter Power. He's an artist, musician, and designer, and sits on the steering committee of the National Campaign for the Arts. Peter Power is quoted by CNN, saying the BIA is a "fundamental change" and that "It changes your relationship with banks, landlords, savings, pensions. The fundamental architecture of being a secure citizen becomes available to you... It's hard to put a metric on that." The power of supporting local artists and proof of genuine art work (categorized as visual arts, theater, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circuses, and architecture (Art News says)) has shown to help socially, economically, ecologically, and sustainability. I honestly cannot explain in more words without sounding like a broken record, but I truly think and believe that Ireland is stepping toward a greater future than anyone could ever imagine... I also think that other countries that are able to (U.S, Japan, ETC.) should take note as to what Ireland is doing and how it's been only positive effects on ANY country that implements this. Like, there is LITERAL proof that it works. Not only would this be beneficial for a country to put this into play, but the amount of small businesses (Including myself) would be thrilled to have some other income and be able to offer services a lot easier if it meant living a better life. I mean, who doesn't want to live a better life? Even if it's just as simple as feeling like you can finally breath... All in all, this news (a little old, but news to me), this study, proves what I think most artists have been thinking for a long while. As much as I also think minimum wage should be raised in the sates as well (because of the SAME reasons Ireland created the BIA), that is a much, much different story for a maybe next time. I am proud of Ireland, and I hope other places take note of what can happen if you support it's people. May you all have a good day, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.