Making ends meet as an artist is a constant challenge – one that’s about to get a little easier for some creatives in Ireland. This week, the country’s trailblazing basic income scheme for artists – launched during the pandemic to kickstart Irish culture – was made permanent.

The move is a recognition of the importance of the arts, both culturally and economically. According to an independent study, the €25m (£21m) basic income pilot generated €100m (£87m) in “social and economic benefits” to Ireland’s economy, providing a net boost to the coffers.

One artist to benefit from the €325 (£283) weekly stipend is Elinor O’Donovan. “Before I started receiving it, I was working part-time as a receptionist just to be able to afford my rent. I was thinking about moving to a country where I might be able to afford to live a bit cheaper,” she told Positive News. “Now I work full-time as an artist. [The scheme] has allowed me to take risks. I’ve gone into film and I was able to pay other people to work with me on it. It’s so validating.”

In other news, the World Health Organization hailed progress tackling FGM, Colombia’s deforestation rate continued to fall, and Norway’s polar bears proved surprisingly resilient.

Find out what else went right this week here.