Hello! This week we’re returning to one of our favourite topics covered in our very first episode when Geoff was closer to 40 than 50: universal basic income. Except this time it's not money for everyone - it's just for artists - and it raises some important questions about how we recognise the role that art plays in our economy, society and communities. Last year Ireland announced a three-year pilot in which 2,000 artists will receive 325€ a week. Is removing financial stress the key to unlocking creative freedom? Will it mean a wider group of people can access the arts? And what can we learn from our own history, including Mrs Thatcher’s Enterprise Allowance Scheme. These are all big questions that we put to our guests: Eliza Easton, Noel Kelly and Love Ssega - formerly of Clean Bandit - a musician working across artistic boundaries.

Plus: It’s the big 5-0 for Geoff as he records a message to his future self...

Guests

Eliza Easton, Deputy Director, Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (@ElizaEaston)

Noel Kelly, CEO and Director, Visual Artists Ireland (@VisArtsIreland)

Love Ssega, Musician and Artist in Residence, Philharmonia Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall (@LoveSsega)

More information

Learn more about the PEC, led by Nesta

Learn more about Visual Artists for Ireland, including more information about the Basic Income for the Arts Scheme

Ssega mentioned Ella Kissi-Debrah and her mother's fight to get air pollution on her death certificate

Watch the film of Love Ssega's 'Where are we now?' performance at the National Gallery

Read about Love Ssega and his residency at the Philharmonia Orchestra 

Come to the celebration at 6pm on 8th June at the Royal Festival Hall

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