Ireland Makes Basic Income Program for Artists Permanent

After a successful pilot, artists will be paid hundreds of euros weekly over three years.

The Irish government will give 2,000 artists unrestricted weekly stipends, following a successful three-year basic income pilot program.

“Ireland can become a world leader through this unique scheme that ultimately benefits the whole of society through supporting our continued artistic excellence on the world stage,” the NCFA committee said.

Source: Hyperallergic Feb 24/26

MEANWHILE:

Arts and culture in Nova Scotia left reeling from ‘unprecedented’ cuts by provincial government.

Nova Scotia Premier Houston initiates major cuts to the province’s arts & culture sectors.

Nearly half of all Nova Scotia Museum sites closed.

Of 287 cuts, more than 70 are in the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. They include an end to the Publishers Assistance Program, which paid out $700,000 a year, the Artists in Communities program ($203,000), and the Arts Nova Scotia Artists in Schools program ($135,000). 

Operating grants to arts organizations were cut by 30%, and the Community Assistance Program for museums goes from $100,000 to $50,000.

Source: Halifax Examiner Feb 25/26