Over 9,000 applications were made under the scheme with over 8,200 assessed as eligible according to the published guidelines for the scheme. Eligible applications were then included in a randomised anonymous selection process to choose the participants. This process was overseen by EY acting as an independent verifier. Over 8,200 eligible applicants were included in the anonymised randomised selection to select the 2,000 BIA recipients and the control group of 1,000 participants.
It is important to note that eligibility was not a guarantee of a place on the BIA. I understand that those who applied and were not successful are disappointed, however, as a pilot scheme the BIA is operating with a limited fund providing for 2,000 participants.
If someone decides not to accept the offer of the BIA grant the Department will reallocate that place using the same random selection process to fill the 2,000 places before payment begins. This means that anyone eligible who has not already been selected or is in the control group will be included in another selection process to fill places prior to first payment.
This is a research project and the main element of the research programme is a longitudinal study with the same survey being delivered every 6 months for 3 years. We will be collecting data across a wide variety of research domains to measure the impact of the payment including income and relative/consistent poverty indicators. The data collected as part of the research will inform future Government policy in relation to how best to support artists.
