Equity calls for Scottish Basic Income for Artists as new research reveals 18% drop in arts funding

Equity is calling for Holyrood candidates to back a Scottish Basic Income for Artists (BIA) going into May’s elections, as new research reveals that arts funding has dropped by 18% in Scotland since 2010. 

Ahead of the Scottish parliament elections on 7 May 2026, we are calling on candidates to support a pilot of a Scottish Basic Income for Artists (BIA) and for Scotland to be “the leading nation in the UK” for a “fair and sustainable” creative industry.

A recent pilot in the Republic of Ireland was so successful that it is now up and running as an ongoing scheme, benefitting creatives and the industry more widely.

Alongside the call for a Scottish BIA, Equity has commissioned new research which reveals that Scotland’s councils have reduced real spending by 18% since 2010, seeing £25m a year less invested in the arts. Despite this, Scotland has the highest arts spending per capita in the UK, at £20.73 per person, per year, but this is still 22% lower than it was in 2010.  

Marlene Curran, Equity Scotland Official, said: 

“The Scottish Government must invest in its culture sector – like the Republic of Ireland has. A Basic Income for Artists would transform the industry socially by removing the financial barriers to entry and be economically viable for Scotland.  

“The BIA would allow iconic Scottish culture to thrive whilst adhering to the Scottish Government’s Fair Work First framework.   

“Scotland has the opportunity to be the leading nation in the UK for having the most fair and sustainable creative industry. We’re asking Holyrood to back a pilot scheme of a Scottish BIA.” 

The Arts Funding Tracker is available here.

Find out more about our call for a Scottish Basic Income for Artists on our campaign page Holyrood Elections 2026: Back a Scottish Basic Income for Artists.