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. For more information about the day please see FAQs here.
To stay updated on 2026’s AusArt Day, please subscribe to the Creative Australia's newsletter here .
AusArt Day 2025
AusArt Day 2025 has raised over $2.2 million for Australian artists and arts organisations.
Thank you to all thoses who donated, supported and promoted the day! 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.
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.
AusArt Day 2025
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.
Orange Chamber Music Festival: Orange Chamber Music Festival 2026
Through music, we connect diverse audiences, celebrate our creative identity, and support the growth of the arts in regional NSW.
Orange Chamber Music Festival: Orange Chamber Music Festival 2026
Donate nowThrough music, we connect diverse audiences, celebrate our creative identity, and support the growth of the arts in regional NSW.
About Orange Chamber Music Festival
OCMF is a vibrant, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching the broader Orange community through exceptional chamber music experiences.
Building Space: A Home for the Courageous
Help The Living Room Theatre build a permanent sanctuary for fearless art, inquiry, and justice — centred on the female experience and systemic change.
Building Space: A Home for the Courageous
Donate nowHelp The Living Room Theatre build a permanent sanctuary for fearless art, inquiry, and justice — centred on the female experience and systemic change.
About The Living Room Theatre
Est 2000. Challenging systemic attitudes to violence, trauma and the female body through the agitation of the senses.
Australian Dance Theatre (ADT): Expanding ADT's Ensemble
This campaign will directly support growing Australian Dance Theatre's ensemble of dancers, enabling us to broaden our creative capacity both on stage and in the community.
Australian Dance Theatre (ADT): Expanding ADT's Ensemble
Donate nowThis campaign will directly support growing Australian Dance Theatre's ensemble of dancers, enabling us to broaden our creative capacity both on stage and in the community.
About Australian Dance Theatre (ADT)
Led by Artistic Director Daniel Riley, ADT is made up of an ensemble of professional dancers. We are based on Kaurna Yerta.
Australian Contemporary Opera Company: Dare to Disrupt
Australian Contemporary Opera Company (ACOCO) is fuelling bold artists and free public art through investment in surprising, disruptive moments.
Australian Contemporary Opera Company: Dare to Disrupt
Donate nowAustralian Contemporary Opera Company (ACOCO) is fuelling bold artists and free public art through investment in surprising, disruptive moments.
About Australian Contemporary Opera Company
Pioneering powerful, inclusive storytelling, ACOCO showcases Australian talent, diversity, and artistry on national and international stages.
Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV): Small Contributions, Big Impact
Join Public Galleries Association of Victoria in keeping Victoria's public galleries free, vibrant and welcoming!
Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV): Small Contributions, Big Impact
Donate nowJoin Public Galleries Association of Victoria in keeping Victoria's public galleries free, vibrant and welcoming!
About Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV)
Public Galleries Association of Victoria (PGAV) is the peak body representing a dynamic network of 75 galleries across Victoria.
No Strings: Experience the Extraordinary | Amplify the Impact
Put your money where our mouth is. Support professional artists with disability to create a bold new work in 2026.
No Strings: Experience the Extraordinary | Amplify the Impact
Donate nowPut your money where our mouth is. Support professional artists with disability to create a bold new work in 2026.
About No Strings
No Strings is a professional theatre company working with disabled artists. Our work is artistically excellent and sociallly transformative.
Australian Music Centre: Support the Future of Art Music
This AusArt Day donate to AMC in our 50th year to support opportunities that empower emerging and mid-career Australian artists.
Australian Music Centre: Support the Future of Art Music
Donate nowThis AusArt Day donate to the Australian Music Centre (AMC) in our 50th year to support opportunities that empower emerging and mid-career Australian artists.
About the Australian Music Centre
The Australian Music Centre is the national service organisation dedicated to the promotion and support of art music in Australia.
Sprung Dance Theatre: See Us. Hear Us. Fund Us.
Sprung empowers disabled artists through dance and theatre — together, we create access, opportunity, and lasting cultural impact for disabled artists.
Sprung Dance Theatre: See Us. Hear Us. Fund Us.
Donate nowSprung empowers disabled artists through dance and theatre — together, we create access, opportunity, and lasting cultural impact for disabled artists.
About Sprung Dance Theatre
Sprung Dance Theatre are a not-for-profit arts organisation based in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales that cater to emerging artists and community across a 5,000km expanse, providing dance and performance workshops and training for people with disability or who are d/Deaf.
Arts Mid North Coast: Art Connects – Celebrating Regional Creativity
Arts Mid North Coast’s programs and projects celebrate the diversity of creativity found on the Mid North Coast.
Arts Mid North Coast: Art Connects – Celebrating Regional Creativity
Donate nowArts Mid North Coast’s programs and projects celebrate the diversity of creativity found on the Mid North Coast.
About Arts Mid North Coast
Arts Mid North Coast creates inclusive opportunities for regional artists and grows the creative industries across the Mid North Coast of NSW.
Accessible Arts: Accessible Arts & Bundanon Artist Residencies
This program supports valuable and accessible week-long residencies at Bundanon for artists with disability.
Accessible Arts: Accessible Arts & Bundanon Artist Residencies
Donate nowThis program supports valuable and accessible week-long residencies at Bundanon for artists with disability.
About Accessible Arts
Accessible Arts is the peak arts and disability organisation in NSW.
artisan: MADE by hand
MAKE Queensland's Future: Foundational Year Campaign.
artisan: MADE by hand
Donate nowMAKE Queensland's Future: Foundational Year Campaign.
About artisan
artisan is a creative social enterprise dedicated to servicing and showcasing Queensland’s makers and designers from emerging to established.
Inscape: Creativity in Care
Inscape brings creativity into healthcare, raising funds to expand artist residencies and programs that transform hospital experiences.
Inscape: Creativity in Care
Donate nowInscape brings creativity into healthcare, raising funds to expand artist residencies and programs that transform hospital experiences.
About Inscape
Inscape delivers artist-led music and arts programs in Tasmanian hospitals, supporting wellbeing for patients, families and staff.
The Art House: The Magic of Theatre
Your donation to The Art House will give a child access to live theatre and learning.
The Art House: The Magic of Theatre
Donate nowYour donation to The Art House will give a child access to live theatre and learning.
About The Art House
The Art House is the centre of arts on the Central Coast. Since opening in 2016, it has become a venue of national significance and was awarded Performing Arts Centre of the Year in 2022, whilst also providing a state-of-the-art performance space for the local community.
Booktober: Change Lives Through Books
Booktober raises funds to bring books, writers and creative programs to under-resourced schools, changing young lives through storytelling.
Booktober: Change Lives Through Books
Donate nowBooktober raises funds to bring books, writers and creative programs to under-resourced schools, changing young lives through storytelling.
About WestWords
WestWords empowers Western Sydney through storytelling, delivering literacy programs & publications that amplify diverse & marginalised voices
This Means War: A New Australian Musical
Donations will be used to pay our large cast of actors and creatives fairly for their time and talent and supporting the production process.
This Means War: A New Australian Musical
Donate nowDonations will be used to pay our large cast of actors and creatives fairly for their time and talent and supporting the production process.
About Sevenfold Theatre Company
Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc. is an independent Naarm-based collective dedicated to nurturing and supporting artists on their creative journeys.
The Little Red Company: Little Red's Big Dreams
Turn big dreams into standing ovations — help The Little Red Company create bold new Australian shows that celebrate local stories, music, and artists.
The Little Red Company: Little Red's Big Dreams
Donate nowTurn big dreams into standing ovations — help The Little Red Company create bold new Australian shows that celebrate local stories, music, and artists.
About The Little Red Company
The Little Red Company has pioneered a unique brand of music-driven theatrical experiences which attract new audiences to the theatre.
Newcastle Fringe: Fringe for all!
Share the magic of Newcastle Fringe by helping us give free tickets to those who can’t access live performance.
Newcastle Fringe: Fringe for all!
Donate nowShare the magic of Newcastle Fringe by helping us give free tickets to those who can’t access live performance.
About Newcastle Fringe
Newcastle Fringe is here for the bold, the brave, the independent and the in-between. We exist to champion independent artists and showcase the wild, wonderful world of independent arts in Newcastle.
Perth Symphony: Make the Beat Go On!
Help us keep the heartbeat of the orchestra alive with new percussion instruments!
Perth Symphony: Make the Beat Go On!
Donate nowHelp us keep the heartbeat of the orchestra alive with new percussion instruments!
About Perth Symphony
Perth Symphony breaks the rules. Guided by Fun, Fresh & Fearless, we perform in diverse spaces and communities.
Shock Therapy Arts: Transformative Arts Education
Help Australian students access excellent Australian-written contemporary performances that reflect the culture/politics of our times.
Shock Therapy Arts: Transformative Arts Education
Donate nowHelp Australian students access excellent Australian-written contemporary performances that reflect the culture/politics of our times.
About Shock Therapy Arts
Shock Therapy Arts makes Transformative Arts Experiences to inspire young audiences towards conversations and actions for positive social impact.
The National: Love The Nash
Raising funds to complete the facade-lift of The National's heritage listed venue.
The National: Love The Nash
Donate nowRaising funds to complete the facade-lift of The National's heritage listed venue.
About The National
The National is home to the 783-seat National Theatre, The National Ballet School and The National Drama School.
Melbourne International Film Festival: Give a little, help a lot
Show your love for Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), your favourite Melbourne event.
Melbourne International Film Festival: Give a little, help a lot
Donate nowShow your love for Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), your favourite Melbourne event.
About Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
MIFF supports emerging talent, and presents a world-class celebration of local and international cinema
Danièle Lamarche-Sarvia: THE DARE Still Life Re-Invented
The ambition is to revive & modernise the visual still life concept for our time, using modern symbolism & meaningful elements.
Danièle Lamarche-Sarvia: THE DARE Still Life Re-Invented
Donate nowThe ambition is to revive & modernise the visual still life concept for our time, using modern symbolism & meaningful elements.
About Danièle Lamarche-Sarvia
Danièle learned life drawing at the Montréal Museum Summer School at fifteen years old. I am now a seasoned visual artist.
Karul Projects Dance Theatre: Nurture Karul’s Foundations
Join us this AusArt Day to nurture Karul’s foundations and uplift First Nations voices on every stage across Australia.
Karul Projects Dance Theatre: Nurture Karul’s Foundations
Donate nowJoin us this AusArt Day to nurture Karul’s foundations and uplift First Nations voices on every stage across Australia.
About Karul Projects Dance Theatre
Karul Projects Dance Theatre: A First Nations dance theatre company uplifting voices, stories, and visibility through bold contemporary performance.
Slingsby: Support Slingsby's final Act of Wonder
Help Slingsby complete its final and most ambitious work – A Concise Compendium of Wonder.
Slingsby: Support Slingsby's final Act of Wonder
Donate nowHelp Slingsby complete its final and most ambitious work – A Concise Compendium of Wonder.
About Slingsby
Founded in 2007, Slingsby creates award-winning, immersive theatre for audiences 8+, inspiring wonder and earning global acclaim.
Canberra International Music Festival: Help us create inspiring performance spaces
Support the 2026 Canberra International Music Festival and bring to life inspiring, creative performance spaces across Canberra.
Canberra International Music Festival: Help us create inspiring performance spaces
Donate nowSupport the 2026 Canberra International Music Festival and bring to life inspiring, creative performance spaces across Canberra.
About Canberra International Music Festival
Canberra International Music Festival is one of Australia's leading and most respected art music festivals.
Dr. Kim Hamilton: Red Bin art project
From local streets to the surface of Mars — Red Bin turns everyday rubbish bins into monuments to species we’ve already lost.
Dr. Kim Hamilton: Red Bin art project
Donate nowFrom local streets to the surface of Mars — Red Bin turns everyday rubbish bins into monuments to species we’ve already lost.
About Dr. Kim Hamilton
Dr. Kim Hamilton is an interdisciplinary artist based on the NSW mid-north coast. With a unique blend of art and science, she delves into the extraordinary and often bizarre aspects of the natural world.
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: Give to WAYJO and Support Rising Jazz Voices in WA!
Join WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) to power the next wave of jazz talent and opportunities for young musicians.
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: Give to WAYJO and Support Rising Jazz Voices in WA!
Donate nowJoin WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) to power the next wave of jazz talent and opportunities for young musicians.
About WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO)
Since 1983, WAYJO has been giving young jazz musicians outstanding artistic and professional opportunities to work with top band leaders, local and touring guest artists, and to participate in regional, national, and international tours and exchange programs.
Diversity Arts Australia: Without Diversity Arts Australia
Without Diversity Arts Australia, the arts sector would lose its voice for equity. Help us expand anti-racism and leadership programs.
Diversity Arts Australia: Without Diversity Arts Australia
Donate nowWithout Diversity Arts Australia, the arts sector would lose its voice for equity. Help us expand anti-racism and leadership programs.
About Diversity Arts Australia
Diversity Arts Australia is a national arts organisation advocating for cultural diversity and racial equity in the creative sector.
The Push: Give A Gig
Do you remember your first live music experience? Give a gig. Because every young person deserves that first gig feeling.
The Push: Give A Gig
Donate nowDo you remember your first live music experience? The one that cracked your world open — the lights, the sound, the feeling that anything was possible. That’s the moment The Push exists to give every young Australian. Give A Gig Day helps us make it happen — creating safe and affordable music experiences that change lives. Your support on 23 October will give a young person their first live music experience — and a story they’ll tell for the rest of their life. Give a gig. Because every young person deserves that first gig feeling.
About The Push
The Push is Australia's leading youth music organisation.
Regional Arts NSW: Save Regional Arts NSW
Save RANSW is a campaign aimed at encouraging our existing audiences to contribute to the core operations of our organisation.
Regional Arts NSW: Save Regional Arts NSW
Donate nowSave RANSW is a campaign aimed at encouraging our existing audiences to contribute to the core operations of our organisation.
About Regional Arts NSW
Regional Arts NSW is a non-government, peak-body organisation with the goal of creating a strong arts ecosystem across regional NSW.
Milk Crate Theatre: PATHWAYS - Bringing New Voices to the Stage!
Fuel transformation through art! Every donation to Milk Crate Theatre amplifies unheard voices and strengthens Australia’s cultural landscape.
Milk Crate Theatre: PATHWAYS - Bringing New Voices to the Stage!
Donate nowFuel transformation through art! Every donation to Milk Crate Theatre amplifies unheard voices and strengthens Australia’s cultural landscape.
About Milk Crate Theatre
Milk Crate Theatre is a leader at the intersection of impact and the arts, effecting real social change through the power of performance.
Flinders Quartet: Listen to the Land
Environmental storytelling through new string quartets by First Peoples composers. Unite music, culture, and place - every gift on 23 Oct is doubled.
Flinders Quartet: Listen to the Land
Donate nowEnvironmental storytelling through new string quartets by First Peoples composers. Unite music, culture, and place - every gift on 23 Oct is doubled.
About Flinders Quartet
Flinders Quartet is an acclaimed Australian string quartet premiering new works, mentoring artists, and sharing chamber music with diverse communities.
