Deadline: 5-Aug-25
The MATCH Lab Program supports artists and artist groups to build fundraising skills, increase knowledge of philanthropy and business partnerships and create sustainable sources of revenue into the future.
The program provides both dollar-for-dollar matched funding and supports long-term skills development through subsidised attendance at their fundraising professional development clinic.
They’re looking for enthusiastic artists and artist groups who have a project to fund and are keen to learn the art of fundraising and building a financial sustainable arts practice.
Funding Information
- Creative Australia will give your project a boost by matching dollar-for-dollar (up to $10,000) that you raise during your fundraising campaign.
Eligible Costs
- Development of new works
- Touring costs
- Paying artists
- Venue hire
- Recording
- Purchasing equipment
Eligibility Criteria
- To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a practicing artist, or group of artists
- Be an Australian Citizen/s or permanent resident/s
- Be aged 18 years or over
- Have an ABN and be prepared to receive project funds; OR have an agreement in place with an auspicing body
- Be available to participate in the Raising Money for Your Art clinic taking place on 28 and 29 October 2025 in Melbourne
- Be prepared to run a fundraising campaign beginning after Fundraising Plan approval and concluding before 31 May 2026.
- Applicants that have previously received funding from Creative Australia must have met all existing acquittal and reporting requirements, including the Australian Cultural Fund, to be eligible for MATCH Lab.
Ineligibility Criteria
- They cant support:
- Arts organisations
- School groups or tertiary training institutions
- Applicants that have outstanding funding or acquittals with them
- Applicants that have previously participated in MATCH Lab
Assessment Criteria
- Viability
- Industry Advisors will assess the viability of the proposed fundraising activities, planning and budget. They may consider:
- A demonstrated track record of your arts practice.
- Evidence of any previous experience in fundraising or your willingness to learn new skills.
- Evidence of your capacity to fundraise and deliver a fundraising plan that builds private sector support (individual donations, crowdfunding, philanthropy, trusts or foundations, and business sponsorship).
- Evidence the budget is realistic and well-planned.
- Industry Advisors will assess the viability of the proposed fundraising activities, planning and budget. They may consider:
- Impact
- Industry Advisors will assess the expected impact or outcome of the opportunity on the applicant and their future capability to secure support through fundraising. They may consider:
- Evidence that your proposed plan will build skills in fundraising and increase your knowledge of philanthropy and business partnerships, to create sustainable sources of revenue into the future.
- Evidence that your proposed plan will assist in the ongoing financial sustainability of your arts practice.
- Industry Advisors will assess the expected impact or outcome of the opportunity on the applicant and their future capability to secure support through fundraising. They may consider:
Application Requirements
- The information youll need to provide in your application includes:
- A brief outline of your art practice
- Three of your artistic achievements or career highlights
- A brief description of the project youre seeking to fundraise to support
- The initial fundraising idea for the MATCH Lab campaign, how do you plan to raise the funds
- Information about your auspicing body (if applicable)
- A project budget
- Your experience with fundraising
- The skills you hope to gain from participating in MATCH Lab
For more information, visit Creative Australia.