Clare Singer-Songwriter Insists Survival Of Arts Sector Hinges On Government Support

A Clare singer-songwriter is calling on the State to recognise the role of artists in society and support those with a proven track record of contributing to the arts sector.

It comes as a petition has been launched to retain a Government scheme launched in 2022, which provides income support to 2,000 arts workers nationwide.

The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme was launched by Arts Minister Catherine Martin in September of 2022.

The scheme, which was a key recommendation of the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce established during the pandemic, provides 2,000 artists and arts workers with a weekly payment of €325.

Data for the first full year of the initiative shows life satisfaction, measured on a scale from one to 10, was more than half a point higher for BIA recipients compared to those not availing of the scheme.

Recipients were also 6% less “less likely to have felt downhearted or depressed” and over 8% less likely to have experienced anxiety compared to those not in receipt of the payment.

Ennis native and glór Director Marie O’Byrne says in her experience, the scheme offers much-needed stability to artists which greatly benefits their creative output.

With the pilot scheme due to cease next year, a petition entitled “Retain, Extend and Expand Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts Pilot” has been launched and has received over 3,500 signatures.

The petition states that the scheme represents “financial security for artists while allowing them creative freedom without the economic precarity so many artists and arts workers have been shown to disproportionately suffer”.

Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne has raised the possibility of extending the scheme in the Seanad – stating his party would support its continuation, but that it’s likely there won’t be a decision on it before the pilot scheme is due to end in in 2025.

Ennis singer-songwriter Laura Mulcahy insists all artists who can prove they’ve made a consistent positive contribution to the arts sector should be entitled to income support.

You can listen to the full interview below.