Art and culture draw more tourists to our cities and regions than sporting events, yet we don’t chant about it from the stands.
This isn’t the old arts-versus-sport debate. Both art and sport bring us together and remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. But notice how we say “sport” as a singular, powerful word, while we say, “the arts,” as if it’s something separate – a luxury for someone else.
In truth, art is part of everyday life. In fact, our research shows 97% of us engage in arts activities, often without even realising. Think about it: how many times a week do you play or create music, read for pleasure, stream a show, admire design, or walk past a mural? Art is everywhere. It’s how we make sense of ourselves and record our humanity.
Today (Thursday 23 October) Australia celebrates its first national giving day for the arts – AusArt Day. More than 300 artists and organisations have joined this movement to recognise and support the creative heartbeat of our communities.
I live in Brisbane, and lately I’ve felt the kind of pride that comes from backing your team. But like many Australians, I back teams in different codes and sports. I buy the guernsey, whack their sticker on the car, even buried my father in his Broncos colours. We can passionately love many things at once.
What if we gave the same energy and generosity to the creative experiences that also bring us together? Our choirs, theatre groups, festivals, gigs, dance classes, and poetry slams don’t just entertain us – they support mental health, nurture belonging and ideas, and strengthen the resilience of our communities.
My Aboriginal grandmother gave ten per cent of her pension to the church every fortnight. She believed you must contribute to the community you want to see. Philanthropy, in this sense, isn’t just for the well-heeled few, it’s for all of us. We can each give through time, attention, or money. Even in a cost-of-living crisis, Australians still give to the causes that matter. Community is built not on excess, but on generosity and participation.
For 35 years, I’ve given ten per cent of my income to support artists because I’ve seen what creativity does – it heals, inspires, and connects. Creativity builds a nation. AusArt Day is an invitation to continue that spirit together. You don’t have to tithe like I do, but give within your means to people and projects that mean something to you.
When we give to the arts, we give to each other. We invest in stories that remind us who we are, in music that lifts us, and in communities that thrive through shared imagination. This AusArt Day, let’s celebrate the art of giving – because a nation that loves its sport so passionately is also, at heart, an art-loving nation.
Wesley Enoch is a playwright, director, Creative Australia Chair and AusArt Day Ambassador.
