Open Call for AusArt Day Micro Grant Program (Australia)

Creative Australia is inviting applications to support digital content creation for AusArt Day fundraising campaigns. Individual artists and collectives can access up to $5,000, while small to medium arts organisations can receive up to $10,000, combining content creation funding and optional dollar-for-dollar matched funding.

What is this opportunity about?

This initiative supports artists, collectives, and small to medium arts organisations to create digital content for AusArt Day fundraising campaigns.

The goal is to:

• Increase the visibility of arts philanthropy
• Encourage giving to the arts
• Strengthen donor engagement
• Support Australian creativity
• Highlight the value of the arts in public life

There are two funding components, and applicants may access both if eligible.

Funding Amount

1. Digital Content Creation Grant

Supports content for your AusArt Day fundraising campaign.

For artists and collectives:

• Up to $2,500

For small to medium arts organisations:

• Up to $5,000

2. Optional Matched Funding

Creative Australia may match donations raised during AusArt Day on a dollar-for-dollar basis.

For artists and collectives:

• Up to $2,500

For small to medium arts organisations:

• Up to $5,000

Maximum Total Support

• Artists and collectives: up to $5,000
• Arts organisations: up to $10,000

What can the funding be used for?

Eligible activities may include:

• Digital content production
• Creative collaborations
• Technology or software purchases
• Social media advertising
• Hiring contractors for content creation

What is not supported?

The program does not support:

• Activities unrelated to Australian artists
• Projects without a clear fundraising component
• Previously completed fundraising efforts
• General operational costs not directly tied to the campaign

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must be:

• A practising Australian artist
• An artist collective
• Or a small to medium arts organisation

They must also:

• Be based in Australia
• Conduct most of their work in Australia
• Hold a valid ABN
• Be at least 18 years old
• Work in a recognised artform, such as:
  • First Nations Arts
  • Music
  • Visual Arts
  • Literature
  • Dance
  • Theatre
  • Emerging and Experimental Arts
  • Community Arts and Cultural Development
  • Multi-Arts

For organisations

• Annual operating budget must be under $5 million

Additional Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Capacity to deliver a fundraising activity
• At least one fundraising campaign in the past 3 years
• An active public social media presence for at least 12 months
• Regular posting activity

For matched funding applicants

If applying for the optional matched funding, applicants should show:

• How they will use the matched funds strategically
• How the campaign will maximise donor engagement

Who is Not Eligible?

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Have outstanding grant reports
• Owe funds to Creative Australia
• Have already applied in the same round
• Fail to include required application materials
• Are an organisation with a budget over $5 million
• Operate outside the arts and culture sector

Why this opportunity matters

This program is valuable because it:

• Helps artists raise funds through digital campaigns
• Encourages new donor engagement
• Supports arts philanthropy visibility
• Combines content funding + matched donations
• Strengthens the fundraising capacity of the Australian arts sector

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain your AusArt Day fundraising strategy
• Show how the digital content will directly support donor conversion
• Include proof of your past fundraising activity
• Highlight your social media reach and consistency
• If requesting matched funding, explain how it will amplify campaign results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a project without a clear fundraising focus
• Treating the grant as general arts project funding
• Forgetting to show past fundraising experience
• Weak evidence of an active social media presence
• Including costs unrelated to the campaign itself
• Missing eligibility documents like ABN or required materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding is available?

• Artists/collectives: up to $5,000 total
• Arts organisations: up to $10,000 total

2. What are the two funding components?

1. Digital Content Creation Grant
2. Optional dollar-for-dollar Matched Funding

3. How much can artists receive for digital content creation?

• Up to $2,500

4. How much can organisations receive for matched funding?

• Up to $5,000

5. Do applicants need fundraising experience?

Yes. Applicants must show they have run at least one fundraising campaign in the past 3 years.

6. Is social media activity required?

Yes. Applicants must have an active public social media presence for at least 12 months with regular posting.

Conclusion

The Creative Australia AusArt Day opportunity is a strong funding option for Australian artists, collectives, and small to medium arts organisations looking to build effective digital fundraising campaigns. With support for both content creation and matched donations, it offers practical funding to strengthen donor engagement and grow support for the arts.