Ireland's Basic Income for the Arts experiment has given creatives a weekly payment for three years. Now, a permanent program could be on the way.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/37560906

As Ireland’s $1,500-a-month basic income pilot program for creatives nears its end in February, officials have to answer a simple question: Is it worth it?

With four months to go, they say the answer is yes.

Earlier this month, Ireland’s government announced its 2026 budget, which includes “a successor to the pilot Basic Income Scheme for the Arts to begin next year” among its expenditures.

Ireland is just one of many places experimenting with guaranteed basic income programs, which provide recurring, unrestricted payments to people in a certain demographic. These programs differ from a universal basic income, which would provide payments for an entire population.

  • FarraigePlaisteaċ@lemmy.worldM
    5·
    23 hours ago

    I was surprised to learn that these initiatives actually sometimes generate more money for the economy than it costs to fund them. I’m glad it’s continuing. It will be interesting to see how far they can take it.