What would the arts look like without Diversity Arts Australia?
Diversity Arts Australia (DARTS) is joining the first ever National Giving Day to the Arts on Thursday 23 October 2025 with a bold campaign that asks a powerful question:
“Without Diversity Arts Australia, what would the arts look like?”
To answer, a collective of influential artists, cultural leaders and advocates have recorded videos, amplifying the call-to-action “Without Diversity Arts Australia…”.
Featured voices include: Writer, Benjamin Law, University of Canberra’s Lecturer in Arts, Dr Bilquis Ghani; Story Factory’s National Program Manager, Vanessa Andres; Multicultural NSW’s Digital Media Officer, Daniel Nour; NIDA’s Head of Equity and Inclusion, Dr Alexia Derbas; Screen Producer and Disability Advocate, Ade Djajamihardja and more.
Together, they highlight the impact of DARTS’ work and what would be lost without a national organisation dedicated to cultural equity in the arts.
Funds raised during Giving Day will go directly to:
- Expanding DARTS’ Anti-Racism in the Arts campaign, nominated for a national design award.
- Growing the Shifting the Balance leadership program, which creates pathways for culturally and linguistically diverse leaders in the arts.
“Without Diversity Arts Australia, there would be no national voice championing equity across the arts,” said Lena Nahlous, CEO, Diversity Arts Australia. “This Giving Day is about showing the real difference we make and inviting Australians to invest in a sector that reflects all of us.”
The campaign runs from 1–23 October 2025, with the main Giving Day taking place on Thursday 23 October. Donations can be made through the Australian Cultural Fund.