AusArt Day provided a national platform that brought valuable focus to my practice, connecting my new work with both existing supporters and new donors who believe in what I’m creating.
Stephen Noonan
· Artist, 2025 AusArt Day Participant
As a team, we had great fun participating in the fundraising campaign. It has helped our staff and Board to feel more confident to speak about our work, has mobilised our artist members, and has raised the profile of the important work we do- inviting more supporters to get involved.
Beth Neate
· CEO, Guildhouse, 2025 AusArt Day Participant
As an engineer, I believe that innovation depends on creativity. And philanthropy, at its heart, depends on collaboration. That’s why I see the arts as one of the most powerful catalysts for both. On AusArt Day, I was introduced to many examples of innovation and collaboration, reminding me that supporting creativity is not just good for the arts - it’s good for society and the communities we are part of.
Alexandra Dimos
· Founder, Nunn Dimos Foundation, 2025 AusArt Day Donor
Che Che Lin
About AusArt Day
This initiative is designed to support artists and arts organisations to fundraise on one national day, and to increase the donor pool in support of Australian creativity whilst elevating the public value of the arts in the consciousness of everyday Australians.
There is a significant cultural shift required to increase philanthropy to cultural charities. Creative Australia has already started this work demonstrating that giving to and through the arts is an investment in Australia’s future, with social impact cutting across portfolios, from health and wellbeing, education and child development, to social cohesion and community resilience.
Creative Australia is committed to equip artists and arts organisations with the tools, platforms and capability to maximise income generated from private investment, as we continually strengthen our role and programs to support the sector to enhance fundraising capacity. The new AusArt Day is one of the initiatives we are exploring to support this mission.
The inaugural AusArt Day took place on Thursday, 23 October 2025. To stay updated on 2026’s AusArt Day, please subscribe to the Creative Australia's newsletter here .
General Information
What is AusArt Day?
AusArt Day is a nationwide, sector-wide fundraising initiative designed to mobilise artists and arts organisations to raise funds for their work and creative ambitions on a single, powerful day. This unified call to action aims to amplify the visibility of arts philanthropy and inspire greater generosity across the country.
This event is more than a fundraiser — it is a national public movement that celebrates and elevates the role of the arts in Australian life.
This program recognises the vital role that the arts play in our communities and champions artists and organisations dedicated to creative expression.
This program is an invitation for everyone to give back in a way that directly impacts the future of arts and creativity. It’s not just about financial contributions — it’s also about sharing and recognising the incredible work of artists, educators, performers, and creators who enrich our world every day.
Open to all Australian artists and organisations, the program follows an open-access model, encouraging participation from artists and arts organisations regardless of size or scale. Whether you're an independent artist or part of a large institution, you're invited to be part of this shared moment of national solidarity and fundraising. (See ‘How can I or my arts organisation or collective participate in AusArt Day?’ for more information on how to participate).
Read our opinion piece about annual giving days for more context to this new initiative and why the first AusArt Day took place on Thursday 23 October 2025.
When is AusArt Day celebrated?
The first AusArt Day was held on Thursday 23 October 2025, though successful giving day campaigns typically include a quiet fundraising phase that lasts six weeks or more, helping to build momentum and lay the groundwork for a strong public campaign.
For 2026’s AusArt Day, please stay tuned and subscribe to Creative Australia's newsletter for updates.
Who is participating in AusArt Day?
Over 300 Australian artists and arts organisations participated in the 2025 AusArt Day. See the 2025 participants here.
How can I or my arts organisation or collective participate in AusArt Day?
Registrations are now closed. Stay updated for 2026 AusArt Day by subscribing to the Creative Australia's newsletter newsletter.
You can still support AusArt Day by promoting the day and sharing the work of the registered participants.
What are the benefits of being involved?
Once registrations are finalised, all AusArt Day participants will be sent an AusArt Day campaign toolkit resource to assist with your fundraising campaign.
Creative Australia has facilitated three professional development opportunities dedicated to supporting participants of AusArt Day — view these workshops on demand in Additional Resources. Please also reach out to your local State Manager Development and Partnerships if you would like to engage in further professional development opportunities via this link: Coaching and advice sessions.
Additionally, we recommend referring to our other philanthropic and fundraising resources found here.
An advertorial and editorial campaign are implemented to support momentum for the AusArt Day, including:
- digital content and video promotions (August–October for 2025’s round)
- media marketing to raise awareness
- support for participating artists and arts organisations in amplifying their fundraising efforts
Creative Australia works with external PR agencies for the publicity of the giving day. Participants should prepare to be contacted by them to discuss potential media opportunities.
For Supporters
How can I support AusArt Day?
Donations are now closed. Stay updated for 2026 AusArt Day by subscribing to the Creative Australia's newsletter newsletter.
You can still support AusArt Day by promoting the day and sharing the work of the registered participants.
Can I give offline or in other ways besides online donations?
Yes. Pledges can be made during the quiet fundraising phase (prior to the public campaign). Contact the participating artist or organisation to discuss offline giving.
Where does my donation go? How will I see the impact of my donation?
Each artist or organisation runs their own campaign. Visit their page to learn what project they’re fundraising for, and whether / how they report impact to supporters.
Promotion & Engagement
How is AusArt Day promoted? How can I help promote it?
All are welcome to participate in AusArt Day. Engagement can include the following:
Advocacy:
- access the Creative Australia digital branded assets to promote the AusArt Day's campaign
- encourage public engagement by sharing the fundraising story of artists or organisations you support at events, by word of mouth and online
Donate:
- donate to the arts on this day (see ‘How do I donate to a campaign’)
- collaborate with your favourite artists or arts organisations to play a significant role in their fundraising campaign – suggestions could include becoming a matched donor – for a ‘power hour’ or the entire day, be a launching donor, or be a landing donor
Promote:
- Download these digital assets to promote AusArt Day.
- Subscribe to Creative Australia's newsletter to keep up to date and receive promotional assets to spread the word.
Additional Resources
The 10 “D’s” of Giving Days (for Artists)
This Giving Day webinar is designed exclusively for artists preparing to participate in AusArt Day. The session introduces a practical, artist-friendly framework built around the “10 D’s” of successful Giving Day fundraising. Participants will learn how to plan an effective campaign, craft a compelling Case for Support, and activate their networks to build momentum in the lead-up to their launch.
The webinar focuses on simple, actionable steps to help artists maximise visibility, deepen audience engagement, and drive donations on the day.
The 10 “D’s” of Giving Days (for Arts Organisations)
This Giving Day webinar is designed specifically for staff from arts organisations preparing to participate in the AusArt Day The session introduces a practical, organisation-focused framework built around the “10 D’s” of successful Giving Day fundraising. Participants will learn how to plan an effective campaign, shape a strong Case for Support, and activate organisational networks to build momentum in the lead-up to their launch.
The webinar provides simple, actionable steps to help organisations boost visibility, strengthen donor engagement, and maximise fundraising outcomes on the day.
Digital Fundraising with Marlin Communications
Presented by Marlin Communications, this Giving Day webinar is designed for artists and arts organisations interested in participating in AusArt Day. It’s a great opportunity to meet the Marlin team and learn how to get the most out of your digital fundraising campaign. The session will include the sharing of the free digital branded assets promoting the inaugural sector-wide giving day, and offers a practical guide to how to build a strong digital strategy using these assets, alongside your own, to engage supporters meaningfully and memorably.
Archer Magazine: Help Archer make a print magazine!
We're calling on our community's support to help us fundraise for the next print issue of Archer Magazine.
Archer Magazine: Help Archer make a print magazine!
Donate nowWe're calling on our community's support to help us fundraise for the next print issue of Archer Magazine.
About Archer
Archer is an inclusive publication featuring first-person stories on sexuality, gender and identity from LGBTIQA+ and other marginalised perspectives.
Lifespan Dance: Spark Lifespan Dance's 2026 Artistic Program!
Lifespan Dance's joyful, creative seated dance classes, led by qualified teaching dance artists, continue in WA for 2026.
Lifespan Dance: Spark Lifespan Dance's 2026 Artistic Program!
Donate nowLifespan Dance's joyful, creative seated dance classes, led by qualified teaching dance artists, continue in WA for 2026.
About Lifespan Dance
Lifespan Dance facilitates joyful seated dance classes, workshops and performances throughout Perth and regional WA.
Perth International Jazz Festival: Swing Into Action with Perth International Jazz Festival
Help Perth International Jazz Festival keep ticket prices down, support local artists and plan for the future.
Perth International Jazz Festival: Swing Into Action with Perth International Jazz Festival
Donate nowHelp Perth International Jazz Festival keep ticket prices down, support local artists and plan for the future.
About Perth International Jazz Festival
The Perth International Jazz Festival is a dynamic 10-day live music festival, bringing the very best live jazz to Perth, from all over the world.
Stephen Noonan: Risky
A new touring theatre work from Stephen Noonan for young audiences and their families.
Stephen Noonan: Risky
Donate nowA new touring theatre work from Stephen Noonan for young audiences and their families.
About Stephen Noonan
Stephen Noonan makes high quality meticulously crafted performances for young audiences. His performances are poetic, nonverbal & highly visual.
Access2Arts: Access2Arts - Access4All
Increase access and visibility for disabled artists by supporting Access2Arts — Access4All : Arts4All
Access2Arts: Access2Arts - Access4All
Donate nowIncrease access and visibility for disabled artists by supporting Access2Arts — Access4All : Arts4All
About Access2Arts
Creating a future where d/Deaf and disabled people thrive within an inclusive arts ecology.
FLING: Support FLING
This National Giving Day to the Arts, your gift to FLING fuels creativity, nurtures young voices, and strengthens community connection.
FLING: Support FLING
Donate nowThis National Giving Day to the Arts, your gift to FLING fuels creativity, nurtures young voices, and strengthens community connection.
About FLING
FLING Physical Theatre is an award winning youth dance company based on Djiringanj Land in regional NSW, making bold work with youth since 2001.
Na Djinang Circus: Many Hands build New Futures
Na Djinang Circus are raising funds to deliver Making Tracks — a Training and Development program for emerging First Nations circus artists and arts workers.
Na Djinang Circus: Many Hands build New Futures
Donate nowNa Djinang Circus are raising funds to deliver Making Tracks — a Training and Development program for emerging First Nations circus artists and arts workers.
About Na Djinang Circus
Na Djinang Circus is a First Nations-led company creating bold contemporary circus that shares the stories, voices and perspectives of Indigenous people.
Bus Stop Films: The Bus Stop Dance Challenge
Do The Bus Stop. Donate $16 (or more). Nominate your friends to support inclusive filmmaking.
Bus Stop Films: The Bus Stop Dance Challenge
Donate nowDo The Bus Stop. Donate $16 (or more). Nominate your friends to support inclusive filmmaking.
About Bus Stop Films
Bus Stop Films is a disability-led non-profit creating inclusive filmmaking, education & employment opportunities, changing lives through storytelling
Poetry in Action: Who would you honour?
Honour your teacher or mentor with $1 for every year since school, supporting young people and celebrating 20 years of Poetry in Action.
Poetry in Action: Who would you honour?
Donate nowHonour your teacher or mentor with $1 for every year since school, supporting young people and celebrating 20 years of Poetry in Action.
About Poetry in Action
For 20 years we’ve broken barriers, bringing live performance to disadvantaged schools and giving every young person a chance to find their voice.
Emerging Writers' Festival: Writefully Paid - Support Tomorrow's Voices Today!
Your support for the Emerging Writers' Festival goes directly to ensuring that the artists we develop, platform, and inspire are being compensated fairly for their creativity.
Emerging Writers' Festival: Writefully Paid - Support Tomorrow's Voices Today!
Donate nowYour support for the Emerging Writers' Festival goes directly to ensuring that the artists we develop, platform, and inspire are being compensated fairly for their creativity.
About the Emerging Writers' Festival (EWF)
EWF is one of Australia’s most established and well-respected literary festivals. We exist to develop, nurture and promote new writing talent.
Alliance Française Melbourne: Berthe Mouchette Competition
Support the Berthe Mouchette Competition (BMC): fostering French learning, poetry, and intercultural exchange for Victoria’s future Francophones.
Alliance Française Melbourne: Berthe Mouchette Competition
Donate nowSupport the Berthe Mouchette Competition (BMC): fostering French learning, poetry, and intercultural exchange for Victoria’s future Francophones.
About Alliance Française Melbourne
Alliance Française Melbourne, Victoria’s leading French language and culture hub since 1890, offering competitions, courses, exams, and events.
Fi Peel: A Glimmer of Hope - Universal Access
This fundraising campaign supports disabled artists co-designing universal access for A Glimmer of Hope, creating inclusive audience experiences.
Fi Peel: A Glimmer of Hope - Universal Access
Donate nowThis fundraising campaign supports disabled artists co-designing universal access for A Glimmer of Hope, creating inclusive audience experiences.
About the artist
Fi Peel is an experimental writer, theatre-maker & advocate creating inclusive arts that amplify lived experience and drive cultural change.
Ikuntji Artists: Voices through Art
Voices Through Art: Support Ikuntji Artists this National Day of Giving — amplify Indigenous stories, culture, and creativity for future generations.
Ikuntji Artists: Voices through Art
Donate nowVoices Through Art: Support Ikuntji Artists this National Day of Giving — amplify Indigenous stories, culture, and creativity for future generations.
About Ikuntji Artists
Ikuntji Artists is a community-based art centre in Haasts Bluff, 230 km west of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), NT.
Regional Scribes: Support Regional Scribes 2026
Help Regional Scribes write the next chapter for young regional and remote writers.
Regional Scribes: Support Regional Scribes 2026
Donate nowHelp Regional Scribes write the next chapter for young regional and remote writers.
About Regional Scribes
Regional Scribes supports young regional writers with skills, networks and confidence to share their stories. We’re raising funds to deliver the next round in 2026—your support through donating, sharing, or spreading the word will help ensure more regional voices are heard and celebrated.
Malla Clothing: Giving Day To Arts
Sharing Indigenous storytelling through film and wearable art, uplifting communities with cultural respect, youth empowerment, and creative impact.
Malla Clothing: Giving Day To Arts
Donate nowSharing Indigenous storytelling through film and wearable art, uplifting communities with cultural respect, youth empowerment, and creative impact.
About Malla Clothing
Malla Clothing is an Indigenous wearable art brand led by Jordan Oliver, combining cultural storytelling, fashion, and community impact.
Ulumbarra Foundation: Future 50
Future 50 is a campaign to grow Bendigo's performing arts community through funded partnerships with performing arts groups.
Ulumbarra Foundation: Future 50
Donate nowFuture 50 is a campaign to grow Bendigo's performing arts community through funded partnerships with performing arts groups.
About the Ulumbarra Foundation
The Ulumbarra Foundation fundraises to support performing arts groups in Greater Bendigo.
Ernest Aines: Ernest Aines Second Album Project
I’m creating my second album—authentic, heartfelt music that I hope will connect with you and inspire others. Your support means the world.
Ernest Aines: Ernest Aines Second Album Project
Donate nowI’m creating my second album—authentic, heartfelt music that I hope will connect with you and inspire others. Your support means the world.
About Ernest Aines
Guitar in hand, heart on sleeve, and a head full of songs! With your support, I can bring these new tracks to life with rich sounds, real stories, and a lot of love. Studio time’s not cheap, but with your help, the music will shine!
Adelaide Festival Centre: Take your virtual seat for the Arts
Every virtual seat at Adelaide Festival Centre makes a difference, each one helps open doors to creativity, connection, and inspiration that lasts a lifetime.
Adelaide Festival Centre: Take your virtual seat for the Arts
Donate HereEvery virtual seat at Adelaide Festival Centre makes a difference, each one helps open doors to creativity, connection, and inspiration that lasts a lifetime.
About Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation
We aim to build a community that has a lifelong love of the arts.
Guildhouse: Catapult Creativity
Join us in expanding the impact of Guildhouse’s flagship Catapult Mentorship Program, enabling even more South Australian artists to access transformative, paid, artist-led mentorship opportunities.
Guildhouse: Catapult Creativity
Donate nowJoin us in expanding the impact of Guildhouse’s flagship Catapult Mentorship Program, enabling even more South Australian artists to access transformative, paid, artist-led mentorship opportunities.
About Guildhouse
Guildhouse is a not for profit organisation that supports South Australian visual artists, craftspeople to have sustainable careers.
Voices of Women: UNTOLD
Support women in rural and regional areas, through their participation in the life-changing Voices of Women storytelling program.
Voices of Women: UNTOLD
Donate nowSupport women in rural and regional areas, through their participation in the life-changing Voices of Women storytelling program.
About Voices of Women
Since 2018, Voices of Women has been inspired by storytelling, performance and music with community and collaboration at its heart. We are committed to connection, and celebrate voices from all women, with First Nations women at the heart, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women living with disability and LGBTQI+ communities.
CircusWA: A circus revolution for all
CircusWA's impact-driven campaign will raise funds for our three inclusive priority youth programs across Terms 1 and 2 of 2026.
CircusWA: A circus revolution for all
Donate nowCircusWA's impact-driven campaign will raise funds for our three inclusive priority youth programs across Terms 1 and 2 of 2026.
About CircusWA
CircusWA delivers transformative programs that empower Aboriginal youth, youth living with disability and aspiring young artists from all backgrounds.
Canberra Choral Society: Keep Canberra Singing Through Choral Giving
Support Canberra Choral Society this AusArt Day. Strengthen community music, nurture our voices, and help Canberra’s choral life thrive another 73 years.
Canberra Choral Society: Keep Canberra Singing Through Choral Giving
Donate nowSupport Canberra Choral Society this AusArt Day. Strengthen community music, nurture our voices, and help Canberra’s choral life thrive another 73 years.
About Canberra Choral Society
Canberra Choral Society fosters high-quality choral music, inspiring through performance, education, collaboration, and community.
Second Echo Ensemble: Every Story Counts
Invest in a creative future of bold, diverse artist led work from Second Echo Ensemble, powered by visibility and belonging.
Second Echo Ensemble: Every Story Counts
Donate nowInvest in a creative future of bold, diverse artist led work, powered by visibility and belonging.
About Second Echo Ensemble
Second Echo Ensemble is a Tasmanian-based performance company creating bold work with artists with and without disability.
The ELLA Foundation: Inspire a Future - Empower First Nations Youth
Celebrate and empower First Nations youth with The ELLA Foundation’s 12-hour online campaign, connecting supporters through dance and culture.
The ELLA Foundation: Inspire a Future - Empower First Nations Youth
Donate nowCelebrate and empower First Nations youth with The ELLA Foundation’s 12-hour online campaign, connecting supporters through dance and culture.
About the ELLA Foundation
The ELLA Foundation, founded and led by Wiradjuri artist Ella Havelka, exists to empower first nations youth through dance.
Jocelyn Moen: Omen - a new musical
Omen, a new musical by Jocelyn Moen, is having its Australian premiere in Woywoy after the world premiere in Texas.
Jocelyn Moen: Omen - a new musical
Donate nowOmen, a new musical by Jocelyn Moen, is having its Australian premiere in Woywoy after the world premiere in Texas.
About Omen
Omen is an intergenerational womens' show about the tension between Freedom and Home. It raises more questions than it answers and will have you discussing and pondering afterwards.
Australian Design Centre: AusArt Day at Australian Design Centre
AusArt Day lets Australian Design Centre support young designers shaping Australia's future in craft and design, celebrating their role in the industry.
Australian Design Centre: AusArt Day at Australian Design Centre
Donate nowAusArt Day lets Australian Design Centre support young designers shaping Australia's future in craft and design, celebrating their role in the industry.
About Australian Design Centre
ADC showcases Australian craft + design, supporting makers, First Nations voices, and innovation nationwide.
Outback Arts: Outback Plaza Theatre
Outback Arts aim to prepare this one-of-a-kind facility to be a beacon for performing arts in remote NSW.
Outback Arts: Outback Plaza Theatre
Donate nowOutback Arts aim to prepare this one-of-a-kind facility to be a beacon for performing arts in remote NSW.
About Outback Arts
Outback Arts is a non-profit regional arts and cultural development organisation in far western NSW, with a theatre based in Coonamble.
Nexus Arts: 40 for 40 Quick Response Grant
Help Nexus Arts extend their grants program that supports First Nations & CALD artists in their creative practise & professional development.
Nexus Arts: 40 for 40 Quick Response Grant
Donate nowHelp Nexus Arts extend their grants program that supports First Nations & CALD artists in their creative practise & professional development.
About Nexus Arts
Nexus Arts fosters contemporary intercultural creative practices, engaging and developing both artists and audiences.
ACMI: ACMI School Access Fund
Helping Victorian school children access ACMI with subsidies for tickets and transport.
ACMI: ACMI School Access Fund
Donate nowHelping Victorian school children access ACMI with subsidies for tickets and transport.
About ACMI
ACMI is Australia’s museum of screen culture. We celebrate film, TV, videogames and digital art through exhibitions, screenings, workshops and more.
The Story Fund: Stories that Connect
The Story Fund supports artists of the Far South East, sharing regional stories through visual arts, performance, writing and music.
The Story Fund: Stories that Connect
Donate nowThe Story Fund supports artists of the Far South East, sharing regional stories through visual arts, performance, writing and music.
About South East Arts
South East Arts supports regional creativity, giving artists platforms to share stories in visual arts, theatre, music, writing and performance.
Observatory Theatre: Book Launch Bash & Fundraiser
Observatory Theatre are celebrating the publication of two of their works — 'Disney Off Ice' and 'Destiny Doomed' — and championing emerging playwrights in Brisbane!
Observatory Theatre: Book Launch Bash & Fundraiser
Donate nowObservatory Theatre are celebrating the publication of two of their works — 'Disney Off Ice' and 'Destiny Doomed' — and championing emerging playwrights in Brisbane!
About Observatory Theatre
Supporting emerging playwrights and theatre makers, Observatory Theatre makes daring, adventurous and imaginative new work in Brisbane.
Mirabilis Collective: Let Her Be Heard
Support our campaign to perform 100 works by women at Hear Her Now: A Festival of Women in Chamber Music.
Mirabilis Collective: Let Her Be Heard
Donate nowSupport our campaign to perform 100 works by women at Hear Her Now: A Festival of Women in Chamber Music.
About Mirabilis Collective
Mirabilis Collective is a WA-based ensemble dedicated to performing music written by women from diverse cultures and time periods.
