Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The national day is scheduled to take place on Thursday 22 October 2026.
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.
This year, AusArt Day will take place on Thursday 22 October 2026.
What is the Australian Cultural Fund (ACF)?
The Australian Cultural Fund (ACF) is a free fundraising platform for Australian artists and arts organisations enabling to fundraise online. The ACF is operated by Creative Australia and was established by the Australian Government in 2003 to encourage donations to the arts.
Through the ACF, artists upload their project, start their fundraising campaign and invite art lovers and supporters to donate. Donations over $2 are tax deductible, and supporters get the chance to make a real difference to the work of Australian artists.
If you do not already have an online crowdfunding platform, the ACF is a great tool to consider using in your AusArt Day. Find out more at this link.
How can I or my arts organisation or collective participate in AusArt Day?
Participants can:
- Launch/ host a digital AusArt Day fundraising campaign (you are welcome to fundraise on any digital infrastructure you choose – the Australian Cultural Fund is a fee free online fundraising platform).
- Register to be included on the official AusArt Day participation page
- Access the Creative Australia digital branded assets to promote an AusArt Day campaign
- Participate in the free fundraising professional development workshops, peer-led discussions and coaching and advice services on offer at Creative Australia.
- Encourage public engagement by promoting the day, and/or sharing online the fundraising stories of an artist or arts organisations you support.
- Donate to the arts on this day.
Can I participate again as a participant from AusArt Day 2025?
Yes, all participants from AusArt Day 2025 are encouraged to participate in 2026 to utilise the resources and this unified day to fundraise for your own programs and projects.
What are the eligibility requirements for AusArt Day 2026?
To register a fundraising campaign as part of AusArt Day 2026, artists and arts organisations must submit an application via the the open-access registration link (available in late July).
To be eligible to participate, the registered activity must:
- Engage in the promotion and presentation of arts and cultural activities.
- Adhere to Creative Australia’s Protocols for using First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property in the Arts.
- Deliver a 12-hour digital fundraising campaign as part of AusArt Day 2026 (including a link to the fundraising webpage).
- Report on the live results of the fundraising campaign at scheduled times on the day, as requested by Creative Australia.
- Ensure the applicant’s ABN details match the registered name of the applicant (artist, organisation or collective).
- Have no outstanding Creative Australia acquittals, as confirmed through the Creative Australia Fluxx Client History Report.
Why do I need to complete open-access registration?
Open-access registration lets Creative Australia create an AusArt Day participant gallery page on Creative Australia website showcasing all participating campaigns. This includes campaigns from all participants, giving your project public visibility even if you don’t receive funding.
Do micro-grant recipients need to complete the open-access registration separately?
Yes. Micro-grant recipients are still required to complete the open-access registration form, as the systems are separate. Open-access registration allows Creative Australia to create a participant gallery page displaying all participating campaigns, whether or not participants have received a micro-grant.
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. 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.
When does my fundraising activity/project have to take place to be eligible?
Your fundraising activity or project must include a dedicated public digital fundraising campaign for the national AusArt Day, taking place on Thursday, 22 October.
What does public activity versus quiet phase/ non public activity mean?
"Public activity" refers to the visible and active components of a fundraising campaign, such as the 12 or 24-hour period where the campaign is publicly promoted and fundraising efforts are actively highlighted. On the other hand, "quiet phase" or "non-public activity" refers to the behind-the-scenes work that happens before the public launch of the campaign. This includes activities such as securing pledges, organising matching gift opportunities, and engaging donors in advance.
A successful giving day campaign typically involves a quiet fundraising phase that lasts six weeks or longer, helping to build momentum and lay the groundwork for a successful public campaign.
What are the digital branded assets available?
A suite of digital branded assets will be made available to share in support of the national initiative and to encourage momentum on the day.
These digital assets will assist to create a unified online identity that builds artists’ and arts organisations’ fundraising needs while highlighting key public value and social impact messages in support of cultural philanthropy.
Digital branded assets will be made available in mid-August 2026.
What are some examples of successful arts giving day campaigns?
Several Australian arts organisations have successfully implemented giving days, including:
- Green Music $21,034 raised during 2025 AusArts Day - Green Music Giving Day - AusArt Day
- Arts OutWest - raised $10,353.00 for its Arts OutWest Cultural Fund during 2025 AusArt Day - AusArt Day 2025 - Arts OutWest
- CircusWA (2024) – Raised $17,136 for a new training centre. - Artist Project: Big Top for Freo
- Queensland Ballet (2019) - Raised $1.03 million through a quadruple matched-giving campaign. - The Show Must Go On
- Belvoir St Theatre (2023) – Raised $1.5 million through a matched-giving campaign. - Quadruple your donation to Belvoir St Theatre
- Flipside Circus (2022) – Raised $49,000 from 277 donors in a 12-hour event. - Flipside Circus 2022 Giving Day
- Adelaide Fringe (2025) – Raised $160,000 for artists and communities experiencing disadvantage (a jump from $40,000 raised in 2024) - Giving Day | Adelaide Fringe - 21 February - 23 March 2025
- Queensland Art Gallery/Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) (2023) – Raised $382,000 for youth and family programs. - QAGOMA Giving Day — Support the Asia Pacific Triennial
How can I extend the impact of AusArt Day beyond the campaign day?
AusArt Day is more than a 12-hour fundraising campaign. It is an opportunity to build lasting relationships with supporters who care about your work.
Learn more about building donor relationships after AusArt Day
For Supporters
How can I support AusArt Day?
Supporters can:
- Donate to participating artists and organisations on Thursday 22 October 2026,
- Promote the day by sharing the work of registered participants online or in person.
How will the AusArt Day be promoted? How can I help promote it?
An advertorial and editorial campaign will be implemented to support momentum for the AusArt Day, including:
- media marketing to raise awareness
- support for participants to amplify their fundraising campaigns
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.
AusArt Day 2025
