Aosdána was originally set up by the Arts Council, on the suggestion of writer Anthony Cronin,[2] with support from the Taoiseach, Charles Haughey, well known for his support for the Arts, although Fintan O'Toole has argued that this also served to deflect criticism of Haughey's political actions.

Some members of Aosdána resident in Ireland receive a stipend, called the Cnuas (pronounced [ˈkn̪ˠuəsˠ], lit.

'collect, store'; a gift of financial aid put aside for the purpose of support), from the Arts Council of Ireland.

[5] The poet Pearse Hutchinson, a member of Aosdána, described it as "a miracle and a godsend" that allowed him to continue writing at a time when he might have had to give up.

As of 2024[update], the current living Saoithe were:[8] Among the deceased holders of the title of Saoi are the Nobel Laureates Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney, dramatists Brian Friel[9][10] and Tom Murphy, and the artists Patrick Scott, Louis le Brocquy, Edna O'Brien, and Camille Souter.

[11][12] When new members of Aosdána are proposed, the Toscairí have the task of verifying that the nomination process has been complied with, and also that the candidate is willing to accept membership, before the next stage of election is begun.