Maryam Madani, who practises as a wheelchair dancer along with writing, said receiving the basic income for the last three years was 'truly life-changing'. Photograph: Alan BetsonA disabled artist has said she is “back to worrying” about how she will be able to afford her rent after receiving her last payment under the pilot Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) scheme. The successor to the pilot BIA scheme was announced last month and will see 2,000 eligible artists selected to receive the payment of €325 per week. Madani, who practises as a wheelchair dancer along with writing, said receiving the basic income for the last three years was “truly life-changing”. Therefore, while eligible pilot participants may apply, eligibility for the pilot does not automatically mean an artist is eligible for future rounds of the scheme.”

Source: The Irish Times March 05, 2026 07:30 UTC