Is it time for artists to receive a regular, no-strings-attached income, just like in Ireland? Many creatives are finding themselves on the brink of burnout, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet, and the current economic climate is making it even harder to sustain a career in the arts. But what if there was a way to support our cultural fabric directly?
Kirsty McArthur, a visual artist from Glasgow, perfectly encapsulates the struggle many freelance creatives face. "I'm an artist," she'll tell you, followed by a knowing, "And lots of other things." This often means piecing together income from teaching art workshops to even taking on hospitality work. "I am so close to burnout - all the time," the 29-year-old admits. This isn't an isolated incident; unions and experts are sounding the alarm about low pay, inconsistent work, and the ever-rising cost of living, pushing many talented individuals to their limits.
A potential game-changer is now being explored in Scotland: a direct government payment to artists, often referred to as a 'basic income for the arts.' This concept draws inspiration from a successful scheme in Ireland, where a no-strings-attached payment of 1,300 euro per month (approximately £1,134) to select musicians and artists has recently been made a permanent fixture. Leading figures in Scotland's arts and music scene, including the national poet and the head of the Celtic Connections festival, are urging the Scottish government to implement a similar initiative, warning of a potential cultural "desert" if action isn't taken. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has stated he is indeed "looking into it."
The 'Envy of the World': Ireland's Pioneering Scheme
Ireland launched its 'Basic Income for the Arts' pilot scheme in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. This experimental program selected 2,000 artists – a diverse group including musicians, painters, comedians, and poets – through a lottery system to receive direct financial support.
But here's where it gets truly inspiring: Brían Ó Súilleabháin, a 29-year-old actor, was one of the fortunate recipients. He was able to quit his day job at a wine and spirits shop, finally able to pursue acting work with a sense of security. "It was life-changing," he shared. "Without the Basic Income, I would have had to go back to the day job, but because I had the Basic Income, I didn't have to do that. I had a sort of safety cushion that I could live on until the next job came along. And of course, the next job did come along."
For Ó Súilleabháin, trusting artists with direct payments is a clear win. He believes it will prevent younger and less financially secure individuals from abandoning their artistic dreams. "What does an artist like to do?" he asks rhetorically. "They like to make art. If you give money to an artist, they will make art."
And this is the part most people miss: The Irish 'Basic Income for the Arts' was so successful that it was made permanent in October 2025. Artists participating in the scheme reported increased happiness and dedicated more time to their creative pursuits, spending less time on non-artistic work compared to a control group. Irish Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan proudly declared the scheme "the envy of the world," emphasizing that supporting culture is as vital to national identity as education, health, or infrastructure.
The Irish government's assessments revealed a significant economic return: for every €1 invested, the scheme contributed €1.39 to the broader economy through administrative and welfare savings, social benefits, and generated taxes. With the permanent scheme set to launch later in 2026, questions linger about the future for the 2,000 pilot participants, like Ó Súilleabháin. However, the Irish government has indicated that expansion will be gradual, with O'Donovan stating, "Rome wasn't built in a day."
Scottish Culture at a 'Crossroads'?
Scotland's own national poet, Peter MacKay (the Makar), who began his writing career in Ireland, is a vocal advocate for a similar basic income scheme in Scotland. He believes it would profoundly enrich the country's cultural landscape, leading to a flourishing of new television programs, radio content, stage productions, and literature.
But here's where it gets controversial: While acknowledging concerns about public finances, MacKay argues the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. "If we don't have this support for art, it will be very, very difficult for many people even to imagine that they could be an artist," he stated. "They won't have a chance to make a living that way. They might not think, when they're young, 'I could be a writer, I could be a professional musician' - and we'll lose lots of our culture. We'll lose new voices and new ways of thinking. Our entire culture will just wither."
Donald Shaw, the driving force behind the Celtic Connections music festival, echoes this sentiment, warning of Scottish culture becoming a "very dry desert" without further support. He sees Scotland at a critical juncture. "I think that we are at a point where it's harder and harder for musicians to find a way, particularly early in their life, where they go 'can I really believe in myself as a musician' and 'can I make a living from it and be someone - or do I have to sign up here for a job that allows me to pay the bills,'" he explained. Shaw advocates for a simplified, direct funding model – a basic income.
In Scotland, arts funding has historically favored arts organizations. However, this approach is under review, following an independent report on Creative Scotland that highlighted criticisms of the 'trickle-down' funding model. The report also noted a demand for an Ireland-style scheme, a sentiment echoed by a separate Scottish government taskforce. Unions, including the Scottish Artists' Union and Equity, are also championing a basic income for arts workers.
The Scottish government is increasing culture funding by an additional £34 million in its latest budget, aiming for a total increase of £100 million annually. Culture Secretary Angus Robertson acknowledges the unique challenges faced by freelancers in the arts sector, stating, "It's very well known that there's a particular challenge for freelancers working in the culture and arts sector. We know this is an issue." He is committed to exploring how a basic income scheme could integrate with Scotland's tax and welfare systems, noting that if it works in Ireland, "then it's definitely something we should be looking at here."
However, with an election looming in May, significant cultural policy decisions will be influenced by its outcome. Furthermore, Ireland's public finances differ from Scotland's, with Ireland currently operating a budget surplus.
Kirsty McArthur hopes that a basic income for the arts could revitalize her city's cultural scene. "Glasgow's best painters and filmmakers are stuck working in a pub for minimum wage," she observes. "It would only benefit everyone, if more people had access to creative work." Donald Shaw agrees, likening the investment to planting a seed that yields a forest of creativity, increasing the number of people working in the arts and traditional music.
What do you think? Is a basic income for artists a viable solution to support cultural growth, or are there more pressing public needs that should take precedence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
