Christa Valdez & Co.

11/02/2026

10/26/2026

no 👏🏼AI 👏🏼slop 👏🏼please 👏🏼

10/25/2026

literally

For three years, Ireland has invested in 2,000 artists, paying them around $1,500 per month in basic income. Some may argue that it would be a waste of taxpayer money. However, after the three-year trial ended, the endeavor was a net positive for the Irish economy.

According to an external report, for every €1 of public money invested in the pilot, society received €1.39 in return. An external report found that the pilot program cost €72 million ($84 million) but generated nearly €80 million ($91 million) in total benefits to the Irish economy.

Other data showed that the program motivated artists to work an average of four hours more per week on their various projects. Not only was Ireland receiving more artistic work for the public to admire, enjoy, and possibly purchase, but the BIA program also reduced the amount of money spent on other social programs, such as job seeking and unemployment benefits.

"The positive economic impact this report has revealed is a very encouraging outcome for the sector and the general public. The economic return on this investment in Ireland’s artists and creative arts workers is immediately having a positive impact for the sector and the economy overall," Minister Patrick O’Donovan said in a statement. Learn more about the project below.