Brushes, Bureaucrats, and Backlash: Government Art Subsidies from the New Deal to Covid

Author: Isabella Coolsen

Field of Study: Economics; Psychology

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Will Glovinsky

Easel: 37

Timeslot: Midday

Abstract: Resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and aiming to address income instability and loss of cultural identity, Ireland’s government gave weekly payments of 325 euros to 2000 randomly selected confirmed artists, known as The Basic Income for the Arts. Closely monitored and required to report qualitative and quantitative feedback, the pilot program brought forth evidence of artistic and economic benefits. However, government subsidized programs for the arts have long been controversial, as evidenced by backlash to the 1930’s Works Progress Administration and National Endowment for the Arts grantees in the 1990s. This project explores the politics, logistics, and justifications of a modern basic income for the arts analogizing qualitative reports from the pilot program to past instances of controversies resulting from funded programs. Examining how Ireland's basic income program for artists has navigated political contentions allows for broader consideration of the potential pressures associated with government funding.