The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has been joined by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar for the launch this morning in the Project Arts Centre of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme.

The announcement follows the online January public consultation, which received over 1,200 responses. The scheme will reportedly cost €35 million per year.

Artists can apply to the pilot scheme from Tuesday, April 12 over the next three years, it has been confirmed. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older; in a position to evidence their creative practice or career in the arts; based in Republic of Ireland, and tax compliant.

“I am determined to ensure that the pandemic does not do permanent damage to the arts sector,” Minister Catherine Martin said today. “2,000 participants will be provided with €325 a week for three years to allow them to focus on the creative practice and to facilitate research on the impact this will have on their practice, their wellbeing and the arts sector as a whole.”

The announcement of the scheme is a triumph for Minister Martin and her Green Party colleagues who insisted that it be part of the Programme for Government when they entered into coalition in 2020. Catherine Martin, TD, also added that she will be working alongside Minister Helen McEntee on legislation to extend the opening hours for nightclubs until 6am. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar added that the legislation should be finished this year…

Link to full-length article at the HotPress