Australia’s national day of giving to the arts, AusArt Day, returns on Thursday, 22 October, with more than 350 artists and arts organisations inviting the public to support creative projects.

The initiative raised $2.42 million from 4,768 individual donors in its first year in 2025, supporting 323 artists and arts organisations. Almost half of donors (48 percent) contributed to participating artists or organisations for the first time, while 74 percent of participants reported increased fundraising skills and confidence.

Delivered by Creative Australia in response to industry demand, AusArt Day aims to build a culture of giving by connecting artists with audiences willing to support their work. Participants span music, dance, theatre, literature, film, visual arts and other creative disciplines, with donations made through their chosen fundraising platforms.

Gordi. Photo © Jordan Munns

Australian singer-songwriter Gordi is among those backing the campaign, urging audiences to support the creative process as well as its finished results.

“Art takes hours, days, years to be developed,” she said. “AusArt Day is your opportunity to support the process, not just the product.”

Said Creative Australia chief executive Adrian Collette: “AusArt Day is an opportunity to recognise the artists and organisations behind those experiences and directly support the work we value.”.

Creative Australia is supporting this year’s campaign with resources, workshops and promotional materials, alongside $500,000 in microgrants to help participants develop their fundraising campaigns.

Participation is free and open to Australian artists and arts organisations.

The full list of participants is available through the 2026 AusArt Day Participant Gallery.