The introduction of a basic income scheme for artists in Ireland is a “game changer” for the industry, Angela Doran, Chair of the National Campaign for the Arts, has told Newstalk.

A pilot programme is being introduced after a recommendation from the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce and the 2,000 artists who take part will be paid €325 a week by the state.

The aim is to provide artists with more financial stability in a sector that can swing from feast to famine. 

“We’ve been working on an application for this for five years,” Ms Doran told Lunchtime Live. 

“I think it’s a game changer; it’s to be broadly welcomed. 

“The devil will be in the detail. We’re just looking through who qualifies for it. We pushed for artists and art workers because absolutely it needs to be artists, but sound engineers, light engineers make as much of an impact on a show or a gig. 

“We believe the list that is currently up isn’t exhaustive - so we’d be calling on Government to make that criteria to qualify for the pilot as wide as possible or to use the pilot to broaden the scope of this.” 

Speaking at the scheme’s launch in Dublin’s Temple Bar, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was a hugely exciting new innovation for the arts in Ireland: 

"This pilot scheme represents a ground-breaking opportunity for us to explore how the role of the artist in Irish society can be protected and nurtured,” he said. 

“So we can continue to be inspired by great art for generations to come."

Musicians playing guitars busking in city centre on Grafton Street Dublin Ireland Eire

'A particularly hard two years'

One person who is going to apply is singer Mary Coughlan; she told Newstalk that although the acute phase of the pandemic is over, many artists are still finding it tough to make a living: 

“For me it would mean the world,” she explained. 

“I will apply for it and it’s been a particularly hard two years and it doesn’t seem to be getting much better for us.” 

She continued: 

“I know there are schemes in other countries where artists do get paid a living wage regularly - not just during pandemic times - but they get it all the time. 

“Holland, Denmark, all the Scandinavian countries and France pay their artists. 

“So this is really coming at a good time and a lot of people in my position would really love it.” 

The scheme will open to applications on 12th April and close on 12th May.

Main image: Musicians playing for the crowd during the annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda. Picture by: Sam Boal/RollingNews