Ireland Is Making Basic Income for Artists Program Permanent
Ireland Is Making Basic Income for Artists Program Permanent
Ireland has decided to make its basic income for artists program permanent starting in 2026, offering approximately $1,500 monthly to selected artists. The pilot program, launched in 2022 to support the arts sector post-pandemic, cost €72 million but generated nearly €80 million in benefits, increasing artists' incomes and reducing their reliance on social programs. An overwhelming 97% of public survey respondents supported the initiative. Advocates of Universal Basic Income (UBI) cite Ireland's success as evidence for the model's effectiveness.
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randomizing handouts has a number of surprising benefits
judging merits always brings bias and unfairness along. unfortunately not all societies are comfortable with prioritizing those most in need due to a perception of corruptness by those trying to freeload and not contribute their fair share.
the challenges ahead of UBI are immense. the resources are scarce and there aren't many ways to align and compromise.
these small community of UBI-like tests are hopeful. but the tests need to get bigger and the compromises made more clear for these wins to be more than just cherry-picked feel good stories for those who want to a world where there is more thriving and less over abundance at the hands of a few.
randomness creates both hopeful and sad stories, but it also is quite palpable compared to the alternatives.
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