Hey friends, Seth here from Tribly.

This week, instead of focusing on a new piece of tech, I want to talk about a powerful shift in how the world thinks about the value of art.

It’s a story that gets right to the heart of what we’re all fighting for: the right to build a sustainable career as a creator.

Let's dive in.

📣 Ireland's Radical Idea: What if We Just Paid Artists to Create?

For the last three years, Ireland has been running a groundbreaking experiment called the Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) pilot program. They randomly selected 2,000 artists, musicians, writers, and other creators and gave them a simple, no-strings-attached payment of €325 (about $350) per week.

The goal wasn't charity; it was an investment. The government wanted to see what would happen if artists were given the financial stability to focus on their creative practice without the constant, draining pressure of trying to make ends meet.

The results are in, and they are stunning.

A recent government report found that for every €1 invested in the program, society received €1.39 in return. Artists in the program spent nearly 8 additional hours per week on their craft, were able to invest more money back into their own projects (on gear, studio time, and marketing), and reported massive improvements in their mental and physical well-being.

The program has been so successful that, as of this week, the Irish government has announced its intention to make the scheme permanent.

✨ Why This Matters to You

This isn't just a feel-good story from another country. It's a powerful validation of a fundamental truth: your creative work has real, tangible value.

The BIA program proves that when artists are given the resources to thrive, they don't just create more art.

They generate economic activity, improve societal well-being, and build a richer culture for everyone.

But for those of us who don't have a government-backed basic income, this story is also a call to action. It highlights the urgent need for artists to build their own systems of support and create their own financial stability.

That’s where your direct-to-fan connection becomes your personal basic income. It's the most reliable, sustainable asset you have.

🚀 Tribly: Build Your Own Support System

While we can't all move to Ireland, we can all start building a career on our own terms. Your power doesn't come from a platform or an algorithm; it comes from the direct relationship you have with the people who love your music.

Tribly is the tool designed to help you build that support system. We give you a simple, powerful way to create your own direct-to-fan list, ensuring that every song, show, or merch drop reaches the people who are most likely to support you.

That's how you build a real, sustainable career, no matter where you live

💡 This Week's Featured Swaps

This week, we're featuring some awesome artists who are already using Tribly to build their own fan journeys and connect directly with their listeners:

• EMiDORA: performs a LIVE Loop session in Nature on Youtube to promote their track “but i cant cry”

  • Link to their Swap: https://ps.tribly.fm/po35xdd

• Waymon Hudson shares an emotional music video via Facebook to promote their Track "Before I Go“.

  • Link to their Swap: https://ps.tribly.fm/6rgvqeo

Your work has value. Your career is worth building.

Keep creating.

-Seth from Tribly