In Ireland, what many artists dream of has been in practice for three years: 2,000 musicians selected by lottery received 325 euros per week in addition to their other income as part of a government pilot project. This results in 1,300 euros per month as a kind of permanent work grant, without proof of use and without direct compensation. The model is to be expanded from 2026, because the accompanying scientific study attested to the project’s very good and, above all, measurable successes: less financial pressure, better mental health, more time for artistic work and higher output. But there was also an economic plus: according to the study, every euro invested brought social added value of 1.39 euros. Ireland thus received a lot of international attention, as there is currently no comparable unconditional funding instrument in continental Europe.

In Ireland, what many artists dream of has been in practice for three years: 2,000 musicians selected by lottery received 325 euros per week in addition to their other income as part of a government pilot project. This results in 1,300 euros per month as a kind of permanent work grant, without proof of use and without direct compensation. The model is to be expanded from 2026, because the accompanying scientific study attested to the project’s very good and, above all, measurable successes: less financial pressure, better mental health, more time for artistic work and higher output. But there was also an economic plus: according to the study, every euro invested brought social added value of 1.39 euros. Ireland thus received a lot of international attention, as there is currently no comparable unconditional funding instrument in continental Europe.