The Office for the Arts is giving evidence this Thursday at a public hearing for an inquiry into boosting arts and cultural philanthropy.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026

The Office for the Arts is giving evidence this Thursday at a public hearing for an inquiry into boosting arts and cultural philanthropy. Chair of the House Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport, Ms Susan Templeman MP, said: ‘Philanthropy is critical for the arts and cultural sector in Australia.’ ‘The Committee hopes to gain insights into how the Office for the Arts is working to encourage and incentivise philanthropic giving.’ Written submissions to the inquiry are being accepted. Submissions close on 2 March 2026. The inquiry terms of reference include looking into: new and emerging funding mechanisms, including digital fundraising platforms the effectiveness of government policies and programs incentives and disincentives for philanthropic giving and private support, including tax and regulatory settings potential government initiatives to increase philanthropic participation. Public hearing details are below. Information about making submissions and the full terms of reference available on the inquiry webpage. More information about the Committee, including membership, may be found on the Committee’s website. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 26 February 2026 Time: 12.00pm – 1.00pm (Canberra time) Location: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra Watch on YouTube @AUSParliamentLive or ParlView Media inquiries Lisa Jeffery lisa.jeffery@aph.gov.au 0427 178 623 For background information Committee Secretariat Communication.reps@aph.gov.au 02 6277 4386

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport is inquiring into arts and cultural philanthropy.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, the Arts and Sport is inquiring into arts and cultural philanthropy. Chair of the Committee, Ms Susan Templeman MP, said philanthropy plays a vital role in supporting the work of artists and cultural organisations. 'Arts and culture enrich our everyday lives. Philanthropic giving provides valuable financial support for the sector and provides transformational opportunities for creative Australians,' Ms Templeman said. ‘This inquiry will look at the current levels of philanthropic and private support to the cultural sector, and the effectiveness of government policies and programs in encouraging that support. 'We’re particularly interested in emerging structures and mechanisms such as digital fundraising platforms, impact investment and public-private co-investment. 'There are both incentives and disincentives for philanthropic giving in the current tax, regulatory and administrative systems, and we are keen to hear from the sector about how we might improve that.' The Committee welcomes a range of perspectives during the inquiry, including from regional areas and small-to-medium arts organisations, museums and galleries. 'We expect to hear a wide range of experiences and ideas during this inquiry and encourage all parts of the sector to share their insights into potential government initiatives to increase philanthropic participation.' The Committee welcomes submissions by 2 March 2026. Further information, including the terms of reference and how to contribute, is available on the inquiry website. Media inquiries Lisa Jeffery 0427 178 623 lisa.jeffery@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4386 Communications.Reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.