The Scottish National Party (SNP), the current governing party in Scotland, has announced that if re-elected it will introduce a pilot scheme to provide a Basic Income for the Arts to selected songwriters, composers and other creative professionals.
The proposal follows the success of a landmark scheme in Ireland, where 2,000 artists receive €325 per week to support their creative practice. Independent research commissioned by the Irish government found that for every €1 invested, €1.39 was generated in economic and social value, leading to the scheme being made permanent.
The Ivors Academy is calling on all political parties in Scotland, as well as in Wales where culture policy is devolved, to commit to introducing a Basic Income for the Arts.
The Academy is also urging governments worldwide to follow this model, recognising that sustained investment in songwriters and composers strengthens not only the creative industries but the wider economy and society.
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy, said: “At a time of rising living costs and growing uncertainty, far too many songwriters and composers are forced to take on second or third jobs just to sustain their careers. That is time taken away from making music, which ultimately weakens our culture and economy. A Basic Income for the Arts has been proven to sustain creative careers and deliver real economic return.”
Catherine Martin, Head of Policy, Ireland at The Ivors Academy, said: “The Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland has shown what is possible when governments back creativity with meaningful support. Having overseen its introduction in government, I have seen first-hand the positive impact it has had, not only for creators but for society as a whole. This is a model that works, and one that can and should be adopted more widely.”
Catherine Martin, former Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in Ireland, led the delivery of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot. She now serves as Head of Policy, Ireland at The Ivors Academy, where she is supporting advocacy efforts to expand similar schemes internationally. She spoke earlier this week about the programme’s success at the Pro Musik Conference at the c/o Pop Festival in Cologne.
