Empowering artistic labor: how guaranteed income enhances intrinsic motivation and fosters human flourishing

Debates over universal basic income (UBI) have often focused on whether cash transfers reduce labour supply, yet less attention has been given to how they may reshape labour agency, motivation, and the conditions of work. Theories of human flourishing and labour agency—including the capability approach, self-determination theory, and positive psychology—emphasize that material stability creates the conditions under which autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and meaningful engagement become possible. This article examines these dynamics through the Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) Guaranteed Income for Artists program, which provided 2,400 artists with $1,000 per month in unconditional cash assistance for 18 months. Drawing on survey data and linked payment card transactions, we analyze how guaranteed income is associated with changes in artists’ financial stability, artistic practice, and the conditions that can support labour agency. Findings suggest that CRNY payments substantially improved artists’ financial stability: recipients were less likely to struggle with bills or debt and more likely to hold emergency savings. The program also created conditions that supported greater investment in artistic practice, with increases in time dedicated to art, experimentation, and reported satisfaction with artistic development, quality, and impact. Measures of intrinsic motivation and flourishing improved alongside these gains, including reductions in anxiety and depression, stronger sense of purpose, optimism, and supportive relationships. Importantly, payment card data indicate no reduction in other sources of income, alleviating concerns about crowd-out. Finally, recipients reported higher levels of community engagement, suggesting that guaranteed income may strengthen both individual well-being and participation.