Ireland launches Basic Income for the Arts pilot as calls grow for a contemporary New Deal for the Arts
On April 12, the Irish Government initiated the application process for its Basic Income for the Arts pilot program, which will run for three years and provide €325 weekly to 2,000 artists and freelancers chosen at random. This program is a response to a taskforce report highlighting the precarious financial situation of creative professionals. In the UK, merely 7 percent of artists earn more than £20,000 each year. The article suggests exploring different models, such as artist placements, referencing the Artist Placement Group (APG) established in 1967. Historical examples include the New Deal Federal Art Project from 1935 to 1943. The DACS Manifesto for Artists in 2021 introduced ART WORKS, which later transformed into the Smart Fund. Additionally, policies like Stockholm's 'One Percent Rule' aim to promote inclusivity without supporting the neoliberal art market.
Key facts
- The Irish Government opened applications for its Basic Income for the Arts pilot on 12 April.
- The pilot will provide weekly €325 payments to 2,000 randomly selected artists and creative freelancers over three years.
- In the UK, only 7 percent of artists earn more than £20,000 per annum from their work.
- The Artist Placement Group (APG) was launched in 1967 by Barbara Steveni, John Latham, Barry Flanagan, David Hall, Anna Ridley, and Jeffrey Shaw.
- John Latham was placed with the Scottish Office from 1975 to 1976, and Ian Breakwell at Broadmoor and Rampton Hospitals in 1976.
- Roosevelt's New Deal Federal Art Project (1935-43) employed around 10,000 artists, including Jackson Pollock.
- The DACS Manifesto for Artists in 2021 proposed ART WORKS, a pilot for 100 artists on year-long, living-wage placements.
- Stockholm's 'One Percent Rule' mandates that at least 1 percent of new building budgets be allocated to publicly accessible art work.
Entities
Artists
- Jackson Pollock
- Barbara Steveni
- John Latham
- Barry Flanagan
- David Hall
- Anna Ridley
- Jeffrey Shaw
- Ian Breakwell
- Cornelia Parker
Institutions
- Irish Government
- Artist Placement Group
- Scottish Office
- Broadmoor Hospital
- Rampton Hospital
- DHSS
- DACS
- Design and Artists Copyright Society
- Federal Art Project
- UK government
Locations
- Ireland
- UK
- London
- Scotland
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Norway
- Denmark
- Netherlands
- Venice