An interactive discussion to explore what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice

Mon 2 February 2026, 6pm – 8pm • The Melting Pot, 15 Calton Rd, Edinburgh, EH8 8DL

Financial insecurity is increasingly a barrier between artists and their creative practice – but there is another way. A universal basic income is the idea that everyone should have an unconditional, regular cash payment that covers their basic needs as a right. We are convening a group of artists, arts organisations and arts unions to discuss how a basic income for artists can be explored in Scotland.

Ireland piloted a targeted basic income for artists after a recommendation from the Arts and Culture Recovery Taskforce Ireland during COVID lockdowns. 2000 artists received a weekly payment of €325 for 2.5 years from 2022 to 2025. The scheme was shown to return €1.39 for every €1 invested. The Irish Government recently announced that they would be making their Basic Income for Artists Scheme permanent.

Basic Income Network Scotland and Basic Income Conversation are hosting this event to:

– Discuss what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice
– Bring together artists, arts organisations and arts unions to consider the challenges for artists in Scotland and how a basic income might impact them
– Share some insight into universal basic income and the basic income for artists scheme in Ireland
– Explore what next steps we might want to take to make the case for a basic income for artists in Scotland

REGISTER via the link for further information to join the Conversation from 6pm – 8pm on Mon 2 February 2026 (there will be snacks and hot drinks available).

If you are not able to make this date/location please sign up for updates via https://tinyurl.com/4wxru7rk

For further information, please contact anna.selwood@cbin.scot or visit https://actionnetwork.org/events/basic-income-for-artists-in-scotland.