APPLICATIONS are now open for the new Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme 2026 and will close on May 12th.

Professional artists from West Cork are encouraged to apply for a share in the €18.2m budget secured by Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan.

A total of 2,000 eligible artists will be selected to receive the payment of €325 per week which will be for three years.

Eligibility criteria for application are set out in the guidelines on the department’s website. Applicants need to collect proofs of active practice and details for the survey which are required when applying.

Maria Fleming, chair of the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) thanked all those who campaigned for BIA.

Applications will be assessed over the summer, with payment to selected artists beginning before the end of 2026.