The first round of Basic Income for the Arts payments were issued on October 28
By Seán Finnan
A scheme to support artists affected by the pandemic issued its first round of payments this week.
The first round of payments were issued on October 28 to artists deemed eligible for the Basic Income for the Arts scheme. Over 2000 applicants of 8200 who applied were granted the €325 weekly payment.
Speaking as the first round of payments were released on Friday, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin said, “I am very pleased that payments have now begun, and I look forward to seeing the results of the data collection.”
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme was pioneered earlier this year to assist those in the arts affect by the COVID-19 pandemic.
One element of the scheme will see the 2000 recipients provide demographic and financial data, to further help the viability of the scheme and develop it in the future.
The Limerick Voice spoke to Irish World Academy students to gauge their reaction to the scheme.
One student noted said the grant was ‘not very much’.
“It’s a hard industry to get into. There’s a stigma that you can’t make money out of it, so it’s hard when we’re doing what we love.”
Another student said their parents were angry with them for choosing such a course, due to the little financial rewards found pursuing the arts. However, she said, “When I’m surrounded by all these talented people, I really enjoy myself but I was unsure whether to come into a course like this, I would think that €325 wouldn’t be enough.”
Find out more about the Basic Income for the Arts Scheme.
