Elinor O’Donovan, an Irish artist, shared in an interview that Ireland’s basic income program for artists had a profound positive impact on her life and work. She participated in a three-year pilot program where 2,000 artists received a weekly stipend. O’Donovan expressed how transformative the program was for her well-being and artistic endeavors.
Ireland recently announced the decision to make the program permanent due to its significant societal benefits. This move has sparked hope among advocates in Canada for a similar widespread program, despite warnings from economists urging caution.
The basic income initiative in Ireland, known as Basic Income for the Arts (BIA), was launched in 2022 to support the arts sector’s recovery post-COVID-19. The program, though costly, was deemed highly successful, generating substantial social and economic benefits. The government highlighted increased audience engagement with the arts, boosted tax revenues, reduced social welfare payouts, and enhanced participants’ psychological well-being.
Canadian artists have long advocated for a universal guaranteed basic income, with hopes that the Irish model could inspire progress in Canada. Advocates emphasize the potential of basic income to reduce poverty rates significantly and empower individuals to make choices for a better quality of life.
While some economists express skepticism about the feasibility of implementing a basic income program at a national level in Canada, supporters like Craig Berggold argue for its importance in providing a stable foundation for individuals. Despite challenges, advocates continue to push for a universal basic income program that ensures financial security for all Canadians.