After the success of the Basic Income for the Arts scheme in Ireland, it is a no-brainer that Scotland follows the same path, writes Derek McArthur.

In October, Ireland made permanent a pilot scheme guaranteeing a monthly basic income for artists.

Trialled in the pandemic aftermath of 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts ensured working artists chosen would receive a no-strings-attached €1,300 per month to continue with their work; to take a leap of faith on their art, for the breathing space to focus on what they create, to relieve the immense pressures of simply trying to survive in a world that’s unconscionably harsh to anyone wishing to pursue the arts.

Now the idea is starting to see push from artists in Scotland. It's a needed antidote to the erratic mercy of Creative Scotland, which can pull the rug out from under everything that relies on it during its frequent funding shortfalls. And it is an essential move to even the incredibly uneven playing field and raise Scotland’s domestic cultural arena in what would be a genuinely tangible way.

Creative Scotland has been told that it should take more risks.... will it, though?

The Irish government found that every €1 invested in the scheme returned €1.39 to the economy. It saved on admin and welfare, mitigated social impacts, and generated tax for the state. The perception of throwing money........

© Herald Scotland