Getting Ready for Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts: Steps Every Artist Should Take

It’s a big year for artists in Ireland! The Basic Income For The Arts Scheme is being officially rolled out after the successful pilot. There is a lot to look forward to for the creative industry in Ireland as a result. Before that though, will be a period of uncertainty and readjustment, both of which we are all familiar with so we can not just handle it well, we can use it to our advantage.

If you have been a recipient, you’ll be well aware that your funding will shortly stop. Congratulations for being such wonderful examples for the sector. It’s because of your contribution and the contributions of the control group that has informed the decision to roll out the scheme proper. Whether you were involved in the pilot or not, you’ll be excitedly awaiting your opportunity to apply when the scheme rolls out. Understandably, this shift to the new stage may be creating some anxiety about what’s to come but now is the time to take strategic action to continue to move forward in the meantime.

Here’s what you must do now;

Make a plan!

Actually, three specific plans;

A Making Plan

what are you going to create in the months ahead? When exactly are you going to make it, this is particularly relevant if you have a second job. The most important part of this plan is WHY are you going to make the work you plan to. How will it contribute to the further development of your profile as an artist?

This might look like the following:

• You are creating  or adding to a body of work with a view to pitching it for exhibition.
• You are exploring new media or ideas to push your work to the next level
• You are meeting the obligations of collaborations agreed for the year ahead and beyond.

If you know what, when and why you are creating your art, momentum continues to roll without much effort.

An Investment Plan

This is not exclusively about financial investment. It’s about assessing how your practice has grown over the last three years and identifying where it needs to go next. You may need to invest in;

Networking – who have you met that you can develop relationships with, who do you still need to be introduced to, make aware of your work?

Marketing – You may have established an marketing strategy that now requires nurturing or perhaps you’ve reached a point where now is the time to push on with making sure that the right people can find your work.

Upskilling – Is there a technique that you need to learn, a process you need to familiarise yourself with or perhaps you want to be mentored by a fellow artist or industry professional.

An Investment Plan

Get prepared to apply for the scheme when it is launched. Dates have not been announced but that’s all the more reason to start considering your application now. Consider where you’d like your practice to be when the scheme opens, that way you can make the strongest application possible. Make plans to apply for other opportunities too. What resources are out there that can assist in bringing your practice to the next level; bursaries, residencies, prizes, exhibitions. All of these additions to your CV, even shortlist placements are valuable assets to have when it comes to making the application for the Basic Income for the Arts scheme.

What NOT to do

Don’t panic.

Things are about to change. Change is scary but good in this case. What you have now is an opportunity to prepare for the next stage in this journey. Use it and the unease dissipates.

Don’t wait and see

Now is not the time to put your attentions elsewhere until more information becomes available or application windows are announced. It’s time to focus on what you want for your practice and makes decisions that only favour that.

Don’t make assumptions

It’s never a good idea at the best of times but particularly about the Basic Income For The Arts scheme. There are so many unknowns that it’s a waste of energy and brain power to try to guess what will be, for example, don’t assume that just because you were chosen for the pilot scheme it rules you out, that your art form doesn’t apply or career stage isn’t applicable. We don’t know anything about any of that yet.

Important Final Note

The Basic Income For The Arts is an investment in the arts by the government of Ireland. They have declared the pilot a success and are refining the details of the role out which is a declaration in their commitment to investing in the sector.  Thinking about the word investment when considering your mindset towards this is important.

I discuss investment in artists a lot with my mentees and my groups at workshops. I talk about it in relation to exhibition opportunities, sales and funding assignment. Applying this terminology sometimes surprises people. It’s not an association they have made before but it is fact. Anyone deciding to work with you, collaborate with you, buy from you is making an investment and that decision is completely under your control. Presenting clear, unapologetic information that makes sure that the other party/parties can understand and appreciate what you and your practice are about; your ideas, your creativity, your belief, your professionalism, your art, infinitely increases your chances of success. This is where you need to be when the scheme opens. Not just because of the scheme but also so that your confidence in what you do is evident to both you and the world your are sharing your work with.

Remember, when it comes to the Basic Income for the Arts scheme, it’s not about demonstrating lack, it’s quite the opposite. It’s about being able to demonstrate that the investment in you will contribute not just to your professional growth but will also contribute to the broader national economy. You and I both know that Arts has the power to do this. Show that in your presentation of your practice, in your determination and the impact of your art.

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