Testing the empirical validity of the work preference labor supply model: evidence from a guaranteed income program for artists in New York State

Abstract This study investigates the impact of the Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) Guaranteed Income for Artists (GIA) program on labor supply and earnings among New York State artists. The program provided 2400 artists with $1000 monthly, unconditional payments for 18 months to address financial instability and promote artistic practices. Using a matched comparison of participant and control group data, the analysis reveals that guaranteed income increased time spent on arts work by 3.9 h weekly while reducing non-arts work by 2.4 h. Although participation in arts-work grew, earnings from both arts and non-arts sectors declined, indicating a shift in financial reliance enabled by guaranteed income. The findings help validate Throsby (1994) work-preference model, emphasizing the intrinsic value of artistic labor over monetary incentives, especially nonlabor income.