A national giving day to the arts may be the lifeline needed to save a cherished small grants program in the NSW Central West. Arts OutWest wants to raise $10,000 this month to continue offering microgrants in 2026.

Creative Australia has named Thursday 23 October as AusArt Day, a new initiative encouraging donations to support artists and arts organisations nationwide.

For Arts OutWest, it’s a crucial opportunity to fund the grassroots projects that enrich the region’s cultural life.

“Normally we’d be opening our annual CASP small grants program now,” said Arts OutWest executive director Kylie Shead. “But CASP was one of the casualties of the NSW government’s new arts funding model. The coffers are dry for 2026.”

In response, Arts OutWest is urging the Central West community to contribute to its Cultural Fund. All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the organisation, up to $10,000.

Over the past 30 years, Arts OutWest has awarded more than 350 CASP grants and 50 emergency microgrants. These small investments have supported transformative projects across the region.

“One microgrant helped establish a community choir in Eugowra after the flood,” said Ms Shead. “This year, CASP funded a composer working with performers with disability to create music for the children’s theatre show ViV! These are just two examples of the life-affirming art we’ve supported.”

Microgrants have enabled artists to collaborate with communities across diverse artforms and heritage. According to Ms Shead, each dollar granted generates approximately $2.16 in regional economic activity.

Demand for these grants continues to grow. In the final 2025 CASP round, Arts OutWest received 40 applications requesting over $105,000. Only eight projects, totalling $17,000, could be funded.

“The need for small, flexible, easy-to-apply-for local arts grants grows every year. The quality of ideas keeps improving, but there’s never enough money. A pool of $20,000 could fund a dozen or more projects or artists in 2026,” Ms Shead said.

Microgrants empower communities and artists to lead their own initiatives.

“They’re incredibly cost-effective,” Ms Shead added. “An impactful way of doing a lot with a little - something we excel at in the arts.”

AusArt Day aims to expand the donor base and elevate the public value of the arts in Australia. Arts OutWest is one of over 300 participating organisations.

Donations to the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund (tax-deductible over $2) can be made anytime through to 23 October at artsoutwest.org.au/donate