AusMusic T-Shirt Day Fundraiser: TikTok Pledges To Match $10k Donations For Aussie Music

TikTok is stepping up its support for the annual Ausmusic T-Shirt Day fundraiser, pledging to match donations dollar for dollar, up to $10,000 this month. 

Starting November 1st, TikTok’s latest initiative highlights its commitment to the Australian music community, encouraging users to get involved by donating through the Ausmusic website. 

About Ausmusic T-Shirt Day

Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is a celebration of Australian music that aims to raise “urgently-needed funds” for music workers in need. The proceeds will go directly to Support Act, an organisation dedicated to helping individuals in the music industry “doing it tough”.

Over the last two years, Support Act has been essential for artists facing financial difficulties within the music industry. Its initiatives include short-term financial aid, funeral assistance, mental health education, programs for First Nations music workers, and the Support Act Wellbeing Helpline. 

Last year’s campaign achieved a record $904,656 in donations, marking a 43% increase compared to 2022. 

Ollie Wards, TikTok Director of Music Australia & New Zealand, stated that they were committed to supporting Australian musicians this year. 

“Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is circled on our calendar every year to get behind artists and Support Act. This year we’re looking forward to literally doubling down on donations with Support Act and seeing videos on TikTok using #AusmusicTShirtDay,” Wards said. 

 

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Festival Shutdowns: Navigating Tough Times for Artists and the Industry

The support for Australian musicians comes in the midst of the live music industry facing significant challenges, particularly as rising costs threaten the survival of smaller venues. 

Soaring insurance premiums and high real estate prices are forcing many to close, leaving artists with fewer places to perform. 

The music festival scene in Australia has faced significant turmoil this year, with several major events, including Groovin’ The Moo and Splendour in the Grass, being cancelled. 

Groovin’ The Moo was forced to cancel its event just eight days after tickets went on sale, citing low demand as the reason for the decision.

Similarly, days after tickets went on sale, Splendour in the Grass organisers, Secret Sounds released a statement confirming the cancellation. 

“We know there were many fans excited for this year’s line-up and all the great artists planning to join us, but due to unexpected events we’ll be taking the year off,” the statement said.

The lineup, announced in March, featured a diverse array of artists, including Tash Sultana, G Flip, Thelma Plum, Girl in Red, The Dreggs, Hayden James and Angie McMahon.

How music fans can support AusMusic T-Shirt Day 2024

Here’s how you can support the cause:

Buy a T-Shirt: Purchase a t-shirt from a favourite Australian artist! 100% of net proceeds will go directly to Support Act.

Make a Direct Donation: Fans can also donate directly to Support Act. 

Wear Your T-Shirt: Fans are encouraged to share photos on social media using the hashtag #AusMusicTShirtDay to raise awareness and inspire others to join in.

Support Act CEO Clive Miller also highlighted the benefits of donation matching, stating, “[This] is a great incentive to reach out to friends, colleagues and family to encourage them to donate to your team, or to make your own donation to the campaign.”

TikTok’s donation matching will end once the TikTok Matched Giving fund of $10,000 is reached. 

Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is on Thursday, November 28. Donations can be made via ausmusictshirtday.org.au.