Commission launches strategic-plan process and staff say they are researching a universal basic income pilot for artists

The Commission announced a new strategic-planning partnership and an early-stage look at an income-support concept for artists at its Dec. 15 meeting.

Opportunity Consulting (represented by Lindsey Brown and Ananya Sharma) introduced itself as the Commission's chosen consulting firm for strategic planning, described a timeline that includes a needs assessment phase from January through March and iterative design into the summer, and invited commissioners to schedule confidential small-group interviews in January. Brown said the process will emphasize co-creation, community engagement and using creative methods appropriate to an arts agency.

Executive Director Aaron Myers said staff and counsel are examining models of universal basic income (UBI) for artists, referencing pilots in Ireland and programs in New York and San Francisco, and said the agency is compiling research and language to explore possible solutions. Myers was explicit that no budget requests were being made at this point for a UBI pilot and said staff were looking for funding pathways outside the Commission's baseline budget.

Opportunity Consulting requested commissioner participation in interviews scheduled Jan. 8–30 to ensure commissioner input informs the plan. Staff said further details on the strategic-planning timeline and involvement will be shared by email.