Ireland’s Basic Income for Artists and its implications for musicians in the Electronic Dance Music sector.
 

Rhun Gwilym (Leeds University)
Dr Hefin Gwilym (Bangor University)

This seminar will examine the introduction of Ireland’s Basic Income for Artists (BIA) and its implications for musicians, with a particular focus on the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) sector. Drawing on a qualitative study of in depth interviews with seven musicians, the research offers insight into artists’ lived experiences during a period of profound instability in Ireland’s creative industries. The Covid 19 pandemic significantly disrupted the sector, contributing to the continued closure of clubs since 2020 and raising concerns about a potential industry collapse. Against this backdrop, EDM serves as a compelling case study for understanding the broader challenges facing creative work in Ireland.

The seminar explores the rationale for introducing BIA as a policy intervention to support the creative industries—a key component of Ireland’s cultural and tourism landscape. It also extends beyond the pandemic to consider additional pressures confronting EDM musicians, including the rise of artificial intelligence and the complexities of the contemporary streaming economy. The findings offer original insights into musicians’ responses to the BIA, particularly the empathy and guilt associated with its lottery based allocation. They also highlight the positive effects of basic income support on well being, innovation, and creative productivity, with notable benefits for women.

Finally, the study situates BIA within the wider global context of basic income piloting, drawing comparative lessons from international pilot programmes. Overall, the seminar will examine how BIA is shaping creative practice in Ireland and consider the policy’s potential to support EDM musicians and the wider artistic community in the years ahead.