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.
HotHouse Theatre: Ignite Creativity. Empower Voices. Build Community
Join us Oct 23 for HotHouse Giving Day - supporting young people, artists, and community to keep Albury-Wodonga’s creative heart beating strong.
HotHouse Theatre: Ignite Creativity. Empower Voices. Build Community
Donate nowJoin us Oct 23 for HotHouse Giving Day - supporting young people, artists, and community to keep Albury-Wodonga’s creative heart beating strong.
About HotHouse Theatre
HotHouse Theatre has always been powered by people: audiences, artists, and a community who believe in storytelling’s power to connect, inspire, and transform.
Gravity & Other Myths: Actions Speak Louder - bring LOUDER to life
We are making a new show and we need your support to take our creative process from an idea to reality.
Gravity & Other Myths: Actions Speak Louder - bring LOUDER to life
Donate nowWe are making a new show and we need your support to take our creative process from an idea to reality.
About Gravity & Other Myths
Gravity & Other Myths is Australia’s most celebrated circus and physical company.
Demi Kromidellis: Support Demi's First Solo Exhibition
Support Demi Kromidellis' first solo exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery by donating towards essential materials.
Demi Kromidellis: Support Demi's First Solo Exhibition
Donate nowSupport Demi Kromidellis' first solo exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery by donating towards essential materials.
About Demi Kromidellis
Demi Kromidellis' work questions whether she is able to truly connect to the weight her ethnicity holds as a third-generation Australian. She applies an archival approach to themes of cultural loss, displacement, death and immortality through the use of photographs, oral histories, handwritten text and inherited objects.
Theatre Works: Help us Champion Independent Artists
Theatre Works needs your support this AusArt Day to raise $5000 assisting us in championing the voices of independent artists.
Theatre Works: Help us Champion Independent Artists
Donate nowTheatre Works needs your support this AusArt Day to raise $5000 assisting us in championing the voices of independent artists.
About Theatre Works
Theatre Works is the home of independent theatre.
Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance (SCCA): SCCA Fundraiser Challenge
Fuel creativity for 2032. Support SCCA to build a bold, resilient arts sector that thrives long after the Games end.
Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance (SCCA): SCCA Fundraiser Challenge
Donate nowFuel creativity for 2032. Support SCCA to build a bold, resilient arts sector that thrives long after the Games end.
About SCCA
SCCA is the leading arts organisation on the Sunshine Coast. We work to elevate the creative sector to be sustainable and relevant.
Peter Day: Sculpting the Unseen, Venice & Sydney
Peter Day is creating 3 abstract sculptures for exhibition at the Venice Biennale, 2026, depicting Benthic Foraminifera in glass, limestone and bronze.
Peter Day: Sculpting the Unseen, Venice & Sydney
Donate nowPeter Day is creating 3 abstract sculptures for exhibition at the Venice Biennale, 2026, depicting Benthic Foraminifera in glass, limestone and bronze.
About Peter Day
Peter Day has been making art professionally for over 45 years. He has made 200 works of public art and his personal works have been shown in over thirty solo shows and grace many public and private collections in Australia and overseas.
Dance for Parkinson's Australia: Together We Move - Dance for Health
Celebrate dance, creativity, and community - Your gift makes social connection possible through the joy of dance.
Dance for Parkinson's Australia: Together We Move - Dance for Health
Donate nowCelebrate dance, creativity, and community - Your gift makes social connection possible through the joy of dance.
About Dance for Parkinson's Australia (DPA)
Dance for Parkinson's Australia (DPA) envisions healthy creative and connected communities activated through the power of dance.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: ‘What’s missing?’
What would it be like to experience a film, concert, or even life without choral music? It would be a much poorer world.
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: ‘What’s missing?’
Donate nowWhat would it be like to experience a film, concert, or even life without choral music? It would be a much poorer world.
About Sydney Philharmonia Choirs
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs is a dynamic force in Australian music, known for its ambitious programming and exciting musical collaborations.
Lazy Thinking: Charity setup Seed Funding
Seed funding for transitioning to a new charity structure for the venue.
Lazy Thinking: Charity setup Seed Funding
Donate nowSeed funding for transitioning to a new charity structure for the venue.
Lazy Thinking
Based in a converted Butcher’s Shop in Dulwich Hill in the Inner West of Eora/Sydney, Lazy Thinking is an award winning music venue and not for profit organisation committed to supporting and promoting independent musical artists of Eora/Sydney and Australia at every stage of their career.
Outer Space: Echoes of Impact
Echoes of Impact celebrates artists’ journeys, reflecting on the past and inspiring future cultural investment ahead of Giving Day.
Outer Space: Echoes of Impact
Donate nowEchoes of Impact celebrates artists’ journeys, reflecting on the past and inspiring future cultural investment ahead of Giving Day.
About Outer Space
Outer Space is a not-for-profit Contemporary Arts organisation
Marty MonStar: The Ransom Letter 2026
Marty MonStar is staging a run of THE RANSOM LETTER in 2026, and paying a screenwriter to adapt their play THE WRONG HORSE.
Marty MonStar: The Ransom Letter 2026
Donate nowMarty MonStar is staging a run of THE RANSOM LETTER in 2026, and paying a screenwriter to adapt their play THE WRONG HORSE.
About Marty MonStar
Ballarat-based playwright and poet, Marty MonStar crafts laugh-out-loud, Aussie-flavoured theatre mixing slapstick humour, nostalgia, and heart.
Modern Motion Dance Co.: Motion Sparks
Help us spark creativity in Ballarat by empowering regional youth through inclusive, transformative dance and storytelling.
Modern Motion Dance Co.: Motion Sparks
Donate nowHelp us spark creativity in Ballarat by empowering regional youth through inclusive, transformative dance and storytelling.
About Modern Motion Dance Co.
Modern Motion Dance Co. uses inclusive, expressive dance to empower communities and inspire social change through bold, creative movement.
Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF): MWFF's 10th Anniversary 2026
Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, spotlighting our region’s talent and advocating for gender equity in the screen industries.
Melbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF): MWFF's 10th Anniversary 2026
Donate nowMelbourne Women in Film Festival (MWFF) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, spotlighting our region’s talent and advocating for gender equity in the screen industries.
About MWFF
MWFF is an annual film festival presenting a diverse and dynamic program of women’s and gender diverse films and events.
Centre for Stories: One voice, one story, one day to give
Centre for Stories’ AusArt Day campaign will use digital storytelling to spark empathy and raise funds.
Centre for Stories: One voice, one story, one day to give
Donate nowCentre for Stories’ AusArt Day campaign will use digital storytelling to spark empathy and raise funds.
About Centre for Stories
Centre for Stories is a not-for-profit in Boorloo using storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices, build connection, and foster inclusion.
West Space: Support West Space
West Space supports timely work by artists in Australia.
West Space: Support West Space
Donate nowWest Space supports timely work by artists in Australia.
About West Space
West Space is a leading independent contemporary art gallery in Naarm (Melbourne).
The Lock-Up: The Lock-Up's 2026 Multiplatform Commission Series
In 2026 The Lock-Up launches Multilove, commissioning bold cross-disciplinary works that use love as a force for building new worlds.
The Lock-Up: The Lock-Up's 2026 Multiplatform Commission Series
Donate nowIn 2026 The Lock-Up launches Multilove, commissioning bold cross-disciplinary works that use love as a force for building new worlds.
About The Lock-Up
The Lock-Up is a contemporary art space in Newcastle championing experimental practice, critical dialogue, and cultural exchange in a historic site.
Dans Bain: Help The Lost Petition tour the Northern Territory
The Lost Petition in the NT: honouring lives lost, amplifying voices, demanding action to end gendered violence.
Dans Bain: Help The Lost Petition tour the Northern Territory
Donate nowThe Lost Petition in the NT: honouring lives lost, amplifying voices, demanding action to end gendered violence.
About Dans Bain
Dans Bain is an artist, advocate, and public speaker dedicated to social justice issues through public art and community engagement.
Open Space Contemporary Arts (OSCA): Art for Everyone, Everywhere - Support OSCA
Bring participatory art projects to life by supporting OSCA to connect artists and communities together across South Australia and beyond.
Open Space Contemporary Arts (OSCA): Art for Everyone, Everywhere - Support OSCA
Donate nowBring participatory art projects to life by supporting OSCA to connect artists and communities together across South Australia and beyond.
About OSCA
OSCA is an artist led South Australian arts organisation based on Kaurna land, creating contemporary art projects in public spaces.
Outback Theatre for Young People (OTYP): OTYP on the road
Outback Theatre for Young People (OTYP) engages with young people from regional and remote communities to create distinctive contemporary outcomes through collaborative processes.
Outback Theatre for Young People (OTYP): OTYP on the road
Donate nowOutback Theatre for Young People (OTYP) engages with young people from regional and remote communities to create distinctive contemporary outcomes through collaborative processes.
About Outback Theatre for Young People
Based in regional NSW, we connect young people in remote areas with professional artists to develop outcomes connected to place and community.
Castlemaine Documentary Festival (CDoc)
CDoc screens year-round documentary programs and supports regional filmmakers, fostering cultural exchange and nurturing community connection.
Castlemaine Documentary Festival (CDoc)
Donate nowCDoc screens year-round documentary programs and supports regional filmmakers, fostering cultural exchange and nurturing community connection.
About Castlemaine Documentary Festival (CDoc)
The annual Castlemaine Documentary Festival, affectionately known as CDoc, is held over three nights and two days. This mid-winter weekend event of films and parties remains the centrepiece of many Festival events run throughout the year.
Orange Regional Conservatorium: Key Friends of ORC
Donate $200 to Key Friends and place your name on ORC’s piano keys artwork, a lasting legacy in our new home.
Orange Regional Conservatorium: Key Friends of ORC
Donate nowDonate $200 to Key Friends and place your name on ORC’s piano keys artwork, a lasting legacy in our new home.
About The Orange Regional Conservatorium
The Orange Regional Conservatorium provides inclusive music education and performance opportunities, fostering community and culture in Orange, NSW.
Campbelltown Arts Centre: Little Orange - Big Gumballs!
Help us buy a giant gumball machine to support the Little Orange artist studio to make and sell limited edition artworks.
Campbelltown Arts Centre: Little Orange - Big Gumballs!
Donate nowHelp us buy a giant gumball machine to support the Little Orange artist studio to make and sell limited edition artworks.
About Little Orange studio for artists with disability: Campbelltown Arts Centre
Little Orange is a Campbelltown Arts Centre working studio for artists who identify as a person living with disability, d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing and/or Disabled Creatives.
NotFair: NotFair 2026 Independent Art Fair
Independent, curator-led art fair showcasing emerging and overlooked artists with ambitious, critically engaged practice.
NotFair 2023 opening event, photo by Matto Lucas
NotFair: NotFair 2026 Independent Art Fair
Donate nowIndependent, curator-led art fair showcasing emerging and overlooked artists with ambitious, critically engaged practice.
About NotFair
NotFair was founded in 2010 to showcase independent artists who often do not fit the commercial mould and are overlooked and under-recognised.
The Unconformity: The Unconformity Festival Giving Day Campaign
Support The Unconformity: A Giving Day to keep The Unconformity festival free, accessible, and connected to community.
The Unconformity: The Unconformity Festival Giving Day Campaign
Donate nowSupport The Unconformity: A Giving Day to keep The Unconformity festival free, accessible, and connected to community.
About The Unconformity
A contemporary arts organisation based on Lutruwita/Tasmania’s West Coast presenting a biennial festival and cultural program of explorations.
Sydney Theatre Company: STC Schools Days
Inspire the next generation. Help provide opportunities for students to attend Sydney Theatre Company productions and develop their love for theatre.
Sydney Theatre Company: STC Schools Days
Donate nowInspire the next generation. Help provide opportunities for students to attend Sydney Theatre Company productions and develop their love for theatre.
About Sydney Theatre Company (STC)
Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has been a major force in Australian drama since its establishment in 1978.
Arts North West: Fuel Local Creativity: Arts North West Microgrants 2026
Support regional artists with microgrants. Your donation helps fund tools, skills, and opportunities that keep creativity thriving in our communities.
Arts North West: Fuel Local Creativity: Arts North West Microgrants 2026
Donate nowSupport regional artists with microgrants. Your donation helps fund tools, skills, and opportunities that keep creativity thriving in our communities.
About Arts North West
Arts North West supports creative growth in New England North West NSW, fostering collaboration, capacity, and cultural development.
Anthony Noack: The White Ship
"The White Ship” is a poetic short documentary exploring Estonian artist Mery Crystal Ra’s creative vision and you can help share it with the world.
Anthony Noack: The White Ship
Donate now"The White Ship” is a poetic short documentary exploring Estonian artist Mery Crystal Ra’s creative vision and you can help share it with the world.
About Anthony Noack
Anthony Noack is an Australian filmmaker, writer, and theatre-maker with 25 years of experience across stage and screen.
Ray Torres: Threads and Intersections of Belonging
Where cultures meet: exploring memory, heritage, and identity through art, weaving threads of belonging across communities.
Ray Torres: Threads and Intersections of Belonging
Donate nowWhere cultures meet: exploring memory, heritage, and identity through art, weaving threads of belonging across communities.
About Ray Torres
Ray Torres is an Artist based in Brisbane, Australia. In his body of work, Torres skilfully navigates the intersections of his cultural heritage and sense of community, which have greatly influenced his vision and style.
Tamar Dolev: Pink Salad animation
PINK SALAD will be a vibrant animation, by artist Tamar Dolev and filmmaker Katrina Mathers, blending documentary, family and flavour.
Tamar Dolev: Pink Salad animation
Donate nowPINK SALAD will be a vibrant animation, by artist Tamar Dolev and filmmaker Katrina Mathers, blending documentary, family and flavour.
Belvoir: Belvoir’s 40th Birthday Busy Bee
After 40 years of making great theatre, Belvoir needs some TLC. Donate on AusArt Day to help repair our beloved building.
Belvoir: Belvoir’s 40th Birthday Busy Bee
Donate nowAfter 40 years of making great theatre, Belvoir needs some TLC. Donate on AusArt Day to help repair our beloved building.
About Belvoir
Based in an old factory on Gadigal land, Sydney, Belvoir is one of Australia’s most celebrated and beloved theatre companies.
Folk Alliance Australia: Small Grants for Folk music program
The program from Folk Alliance Australia (FAA) supports a range of exciting small folk music and cultural projects assisting artists and organisations around the country.
Jenny Huntley
Folk Alliance Australia: Small Grants for Folk music program
Donate nowThe program from Folk Alliance Australia (FAA) supports a range of exciting small folk music and cultural projects assisting artists and organisations around the country.
About Folk Alliance Australia (FAA)
Folk Alliance Australia (FAA) is the Umbrella organisation for Folk Music. A membership organisation support, advocate and deliver services for diverse ranges of folk music
Corrugated Iron: Next Gen Now
Give to the Next Gen Now: Invest in NT young people’s creative futures, shifting headlines from crime to creativity, joy and possibility.
Corrugated Iron: Next Gen Now
Donate nowGive to the Next Gen Now: Invest in NT young people’s creative futures, shifting headlines from crime to creativity, joy and possibility.
About Corrugated Iron
Corrugated Iron is an award winning youth performing arts company igniting creativity in all young Territorians
