Gary Gannon
Question:30. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the plans for the universal basic income pilot scheme for artists after it is due to end in 2025. [17059/24]
View answerThursday, 18 April 2024
Questions (30)
Written answers
The delivery of the Basic Income for the Arts has been a key priority for me. I believe that this is a once in a generation policy intervention which has the potential to transform the lives of artists.
The Basic Income for the Arts is accompanied by a 3-year research programme. The research programme is an important part of the pilot: it is a unique opportunity to gather data on the sector that we did not have before. In researching impacts on recipients and on the ecology of the arts, this pilot scheme has the potential to change the landscape of the arts in Ireland and how we fund it. It will help us to make further progress towards a more evidence-based approach to funding for the arts and to tell a story about the sector based, to a greater extent, on data.
Pilot participants are required to complete a survey every 6 months. Survey data is continuously being analysed as the pilot progresses.
The primary objective of the data collection is to capture a wide range of information related to the artists' demographics, income sources, spending habits, financial well-being, work and job quality, perceptions of the arts sector, time use, health and well-being, and experiences of discrimination.
The first Impact Assessment of the Basic Income Pilot Scheme was published in December 2023. It outlines changes that the BIA recipients have experienced within the first 6 months of receiving the payment. Initial findings show that recipients are experiencing less anxiety and depression and have higher life satisfaction. They are investing more time and money on their practice, and spending less time working in other sectors. They are also making ends meet more easily. Similar reports will be published throughout the 3-year pilot.
Findings from the research programme will provide an evidence base for future Government policy in relation to the arts.