Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts Pilot: €72m Cost Generated €80m in Economic Benefits, Program Made Permanent (good.is)

• 2,000 artists received €325/week for three years in a pilot Basic Income for the Arts program.
• External report by Alma Economics found a return of €1.39 for every €1 invested.
• Pilot cost €72 million and generated nearly €80 million in economic benefits.
• Artists worked an average of four more hours per week on creative work.
• Program made permanent in Budget 2026, with possible expansion of 200 artists.

"A three-year pilot program providing €325 per week to 2,000 Irish artists generated a net economic benefit, with every €1 invested returning €1.39. The pilot cost €72 million and produced nearly €80 million in total benefits. Artists worked an average of four more hours per week, and the program reduced spending on other social supports. Following the positive results, the Irish government made the Basic Income for the Arts program permanent in Budget 2026, with plans to possibly expand by 200 artists."