More than 880 donors across the country.
The Australian Museum (AM) is celebrating the success of its inaugural Giving Day, with more than 880 donors from across the country raising $1,007,000 to help the Museum open its doors wider in a campaign via Howatson+Company.
Held on Thursday March 12, the fundraising event saw every public donation tripled by leading philanthropic partners, tripling the community's collective contribution.
The total exceeded the Museum's original target of $750,000 by more than 30%.
"The Australian Museum’s inaugural Giving Day has been a powerful demonstration of the community's commitment to the nation’s first museum,” said Australian Museum director and CEO, Kim McKay AO.
“We received more than 880 donations, which tells us that the public place trust in the programs we develop for learning, engagement and cultural understanding. It’s an important reminder of why our work matters, and as we approach the AM’s 200th milestone in 2027, we will continue to build on these commitments.”
Howatson+Company was appointed creative agency of record in November 2025. The agency’s remit includes brand strategy, creative and production.
“As a kid that grew up in museums, these special places change the way people see the world - more children need to experience this wonder,” said Howatson+Company senior creatives Charlotte Berry and Tom McPahil.
“So, who better to ask the public for funding than the exhibits themselves? The casting brief wrote itself, followed by countless rounds of scripts and improv with some of Australia's leading comedians to bring our creatures to life. No one says no to a thorny devil.”
CREDITS
Client: Australian Museum:
Director and CEO: Kim McKay AO,
Head of Development: Frankie Greene
Campaigns & Engagement Executive: Lisa McKeever
Head of Marketing & Memberships: Christine Bradburn
Senior Digital Marketing Manager: Juliet Brereton
Marketing Coordinator: James Ong
Creative Agency + Production: Howatson+Company
Group Managing Director: Renée Hyde
Group Creative Director: Simon Friedlander
Senior Copywriter: Charlotte Berry
Senior Art Director: Tom MacPhail
Head of Design: Trent Michael
Designer: Cory Lo
Studio Lead: Simon Merrifield
Strategy Director: Joe Ronan
Group Business Director: Louise Brugman
Senior Business Manager: Sarah Gibson
Producer: Charlotte Breene
Editor: Mark Broome
Sound Design: Shane Vancuylenberg
Photographer: Marta Bacardi
DOP: Matt Maule
Chief Creative Officer: Gavin Chimes
Group Creative Director: Chris Cheeseman
