ARTISTS in West Cork will soon be invited to apply for the new BIA scheme, with 2,000 eligible artists across the country to be selected and set to receive the payment of €325 per week.

The successor scheme to the Basic Income for the Arts Pilot program will solidify Ireland’s place as a global leader in the area of artist supports, according to Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan.

The Fianna Fáil Minister of State said the new scheme represents a significant milestone in Ireland’s support of the arts and artists.

‘It will help sustain careers and retain talented artists in the field. I expect this new scheme will be very welcomed in West Cork’s vibrant, creative and prolific arts community,’ Minister O’Sullivan said.

‘I’ve always said if you threw a blanket over West Cork you would cover more talented artists and music than anywhere else in Ireland.

‘We’re already a global leader in the area of artist supports because of the BIA. This further investment will help support the countless positive benefits to society by the arts, and will support not just positive economic and health outcomes, but also celebrate our heritage, strengthen our social cohesion and bolster our global reputation.’

With a budget of €18.27 million, the new BIA will operate in three-year cycles with artists being eligible for three out of every six years.

This means that, if selected in 2026 – 2029 for the payment, an artist won’t be eligible for the payment in the next cycle but may reapply in the cycle following that.

Those who were on the pilot who meet the eligibility criteria for the new scheme may apply for the BIA in 2026.

Guidelines outlining the detail of criteria and parameters for the scheme are currently being finalised and will be published in April.

Following that, the scheme will open for applications in May and these will be assessed over the summer, with payment to selected artists beginning before the end of 2026.