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Australians urged to help Make Art Happen today, for AusArt Day 2026

Creative Australia

Australians are being urged to get behind the artists and arts organisations they love for AusArt Day, taking place across the country today (Thursday 22 October).

 

More than 350 artists and arts organisations from across Australia are taking part, calling on all Australians to make a donation, big or small, to help bring new creative projects to life.

 

From musicians, dancers and singers to writers, storytellers, actors, filmmakers, directors, designers, photographers, sculptors and painters, there’s something for everyone to support.

 

Australians can get involved by visiting ausartday.gov.au, choosing a participating artist or arts organisation and making a donation directly to their campaign.

 

Among those lending their support to AusArt Day are acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Gordi, playwright and theatre director Professor Wesley Enoch AM, First Nations author Dr Jared Thomas, and philanthropist Alex Dimos.

 

AusArt Day 2026 aims to build on the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, which saw 4,768 individual donors contribute a total of $2.42 million to support the work of 323 artists and organisations.

 

The inaugural campaign broadened philanthropic support for the arts, with 48% of donors giving to participating artists and organisations for the first time, while 74% of participating artists and arts organisations reported growth in their fundraising skills and confidence.

 

The investment delivers on Creative Australia’s remit, under the National Cultural Policy Revive to encourage private sector support for the arts. Beyond raising funds for creative projects, AusArt Day aims to help artists and arts organisations develop their fundraising capabilities, diversify their sources of support and build lasting relationships with donors, helping to sustain Australian creativity into the future.

 

AusArt Day Ambassador and founder of the Nunn Dimos Foundation, Alex Dimos, said:

 

“Giving to the arts isn’t just for major philanthropists. We can all play a part in supporting the creativity that matters to us, whether that’s a local theatre company, a favourite musician or an arts organisation making a difference in our community.

 

“AusArt Day is an invitation to discover something you care about and get behind it. A donation of any size can make a meaningful difference, helping bring new art to life and building lasting connections between artists and the communities that support them.”

 

Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette AM said:

“We’re excited to build on the success of the first AusArt Day, which demonstrated the generosity of Australians and the potential to grow a stronger culture of giving to the arts. It’s not only about what we raise today, but also about helping artists and organisations develop new fundraising skills, reach new supporters and build relationships that will sustain their work into the future.”

 

Delivered by Creative Australia, in response to industry demand, AusArt Day brings artists and arts organisations together for one powerful day to showcase their work, connect with audiences and raise funds to turn their creative vision into something real, for us all to experience and enjoy.

 

Participation is free and open to all Australian artists and arts organisations, with each choosing their preferred fundraising platform.

 

Creative Australia is proudly supporting AusArt Day by contributing resources, workshops and advertising materials to help participants prepare their own fundraising campaigns, $500,000 in microgrants to support participants to develop their campaigns, and up to $250,000 matched dollar-for-dollar funding grants to incentivise fundraising success on the day.

 

Help Make Art Happen today. View the participating artists and arts organisations in the 2026 Participant Gallery at ausartday.gov.au and click the DONATE button to support the creativity you love.

 

Images available: A selection of images of participating artists and arts organisations is available for media use in our media kit. Captions and image credits are included.

 

 

IMAGE CREDITS:

L to R and top to bottom: Tracks (NT), photo credit Duane Preston; Stephanie Lake Company (VIC), photo credit Mark Gambino; Screen Illawarra (NSW), photo credit Jovan Sekulovski; Perth Symphony Orchestra (WA), photo credit Jocab Scholten; Spare Parts Puppet Theatre (WA); Immersive Light and Art - ILA (SA), photo credit Nick DeBoar.

 

 

Contact details:

For enquiries regarding AusArt Day:

Julie Clark, Founder, Humankind PR

Mobile: 0409 517 738

Email: [email protected]

 

For Creative Australia enquiries:

Brianna Roberts

Senior Media Manager,

Creative Australia

Mobile: 0498 123 541

Email: [email protected]