Clare Fm - Podcasts

Artists in Clare are said to be at risk of deprivation unless a Government initiative is extended indefinitely. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport has announced a six-month extension to the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, with proposals for a successor scheme to be included in Budget 2026. The scheme currently provides income support of €325 a week to 53 Clare-based artists. Ennistymon-based artist and member of the National Campaign for the Arts Steering Committee, Maeve Stone, says those currently in receipt of the scheme would struggle to cover the basic if it's discontinued.