Arts community seeks help during cost of living crisis

It's nearly midnight in the UK and Australian musician Gordi, aka Sophie Payten, is on the road after playing a show in Bristol.

Two-thirds of the way through a headline tour of North America and Europe, the singer-songwriter says international touring is not for the faint of heart but these days it's a necessity.

With streaming services cannibalising recording income, festivals struggling and more than a quarter of Australia's live music venues closing since the pandemic, it's tough times for many in the music sector.

"We walk out the door and spend eight dollars on an oat latte but people don't want to spend money on music," Gordi tells AAP.

In a bid to draw attention to the growing challenge, music will be the biggest sector holding a hat out for donations in the second year of a national arts donations day run by Creative Australia.

AusArt Day will be held on Thursday, with 65 musicians and music organisations calling for donations from a total of 355 participants across the arts sector, hoping that people will still be able give to the arts during a cost of living crisis.

Gordi has built a devoted following and successful international career - her 2026 EP Nylon charted before it was even officially released, with advance copies selling out.

She also sits on the council for advisory body Music Australia and says the music industry is only just beginning to tap into the potential of philanthropy.

"Sometimes we rely on on government to fill those market-failure gaps but sometimes we rely on community as well," Gordi says.

Among those from the music sector participating in AusArt Day are Melbourne community radio station PBS and the Perth International Jazz Festival.

Singer-songwriter Alice Hurwood is another, hoping to raise $5000 to help record her second album after a year performing in Europe.

"I'm back home and ready to dive into my new collection of songs from my experiences abroad and bring them to life in the studio," she says in her fundraising pitch.

"Making an album as an independent artist is a big undertaking and I'd love your help to make this one happen."

Half a dozen orchestras from around Australia are also calling for donations, among them Melbourne Youth Orchestras, which is raising money to buy a flugel horn, using the tagline "We've been frugal but can't afford a Flugel!"