Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
185. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will extend a scheme (details supplied) for new applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20383/23]
View answerOver 9,000 people applied for the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot Scheme (BIA) last year, of which, just over 8,200 were deemed eligible. The BIA is a Pilot Research Scheme which will run for a three-year period 2022 - 2025.
The scheme is a pilot and is operating with funding for a maximum of 2,000 recipients of the payment who are receiving payment of €325 per week. 1,000 Control Group members are also participating in the research. As analysis of the results of participant surveys will involve a comparison of averages between the two groups, it is intended that participants selected in 2022 remain on the scheme for the full three years. It is not intended to invite new applications.
There were over 8,200 eligible applicants for the scheme, 2,000 of whom were chosen for payment through an anonymised random selection process. The selection process was overseen by EY acting as an independent verifier.
This pilot is a three-year research programme with the intention of providing an evidence base to assess whether or not this type of support works for the arts. The research involved will inform future Government policy in the arts and has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it.
The research will be looking at many different types of impact data from participants including the effect the payment has on their creativity, the amount of time they devote to the arts, their wellbeing, and their ability to earn additional income from the arts. The research can be followed on www.gov.ie/basicincomearts
