Ireland has started a new plan called Basic Income for the Arts (BIA). It will pay 2,000 artists €325 (₹28,300 approx) per week. The money will be given for three years at a time. This scheme is the first in the world to run permanently. Patrick O’Donovan, the culture minister, said at the Dublin launch, “This is a gigantic step forward that other countries are not doing.” He added, “We now have, on a permanent basis, a basic income structure that will really revolutionise and set Ireland apart from other countries with regard to how we value culture and creativity.” The permanent scheme builds on a trial that ran during 2022-2025 to help artists during Covid lockdowns. Similar pilots took place in New York and San Francisco, but Ireland is the first country to keep it going. A study of the pilot showed it made artists less poor and anxious and helped them rely less on other jobs. A government report found the scheme paid for itself with gains in arts spending, productivity, and less need for welfare. Peter Power from the National Campaign for the Arts said, “Artists on the scheme spent more time creating and less time trapped in unrelated jobs just to survive.” He added that a stronger arts sector brings many benefits like better economy and mental health. Artists can get support three out of every six years. Those chosen in 2026-2029 must skip the next cycle but can apply again later. The scheme has an initial budget of €18.27 million (₹160 crore approx). Rules will be published in April. Applications open in May, with payments starting in September and running till 2029. Selections will be random. Jenny Dagg, a study author, said the money helps but is not enough to live on alone. Artists welcome the scheme but still face big problems with high rent and cost of living. Rents in Dublin have doubled since 2013, making many young people live with their parents longer.