The study reveals the profound benefits of guaranteed income on artists’ financial stability, creative output, and overall well-being — offering critical insights for funders, policymakers, and advocates in the cash transfer space.
Creatives Rebuild New York selected two research teams to evaluate our Guaranteed Income for Artists program: one led by the Indiana University Center for Cultural Affairs, and the other led by the Family Economic Policy Lab at Appalachian State University in collaboration with the Cash Transfer Lab at New York University, Center for Social Development at Washington University in St. Louis, and City University of New York. This dual approach was strategic and intentional—ensuring multidisciplinary analyses and a range of research outputs that can reach the diverse fields of practice engaged in the guaranteed income movement.
These research partners collaborated on a mixed-methods evaluation that included an artist advisory group who provided input on the research design, a comprehensive quantitative survey, analysis of spending data, qualitative interviews and focus groups, collaboration with interview participants to transform their narratives into research poetry, and an invitation for artists to contribute a “creative expression”—any form of art that reflected their personal experiences with the guaranteed income program.
The findings are presented through seven research briefs that explore key themes: demographics of artists, spending patterns, financial well-being, artists’ labor, juggling responsibilities, health and well-being, and community/family impacts. The introduction includes a summary of findings, a detailed description of data collection and analytical methods, and an introduction to the scholars and research institutions involved.
Each of the seven briefs offers data-driven lessons about New York State artists and the impacts of the GI program. As a whole, the Guaranteed Income for Artists Impact Study underscores the transformative potential of cash transfer programs tailored to specific populations like artists.
For more information, read the February 12, 2025 press release or download the research briefs below. (N.B.: An appendix featuring participants’ research poetry is forthcoming.)
