We are researchers at Bangor University and the University of Leeds, and we have completed a project on Basic Income for the Arts in Ireland (BIA).

We have created a seminar on our findings and wonder whether this would be of interest to the Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee.

There has been recent interest in BIA in the Welsh media, and we wondered whether the Committee would be interested in our seminar or in questioning us about our findings and how a similar basic income could help the arts in Wales. The seminar addresses questions such as whether the BIA was a good investment for the Irish Government. Please see the seminar abstract below.

The seminar might also be of interest to your Senedd colleagues in health and social services, since previous trials of basic income in Wales have involved disadvantaged care leavers.

Best wishes,

Dr Hefin Gwilym

Bangor University

Rhun Gwilym

University of Leeds

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

Rhun Gwilym is a PhD Music student at the University of Leeds, researching authenticity in Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

Dr Hefin Gwilym is a lecturer in social policy at Bangor University and has published extensively on poverty and welfare. He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Cymru on social policy issues.

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.