Australia Cultural Fund’s previous record was $1.5 million, which was reached in 2008.

The Australian Taxation Office endorses the Australia Cultural Fund, allowing it receive tax-deductible donations on behalf of Australian arts organisations and individual artists. These funds are then passed on as grants.

The grants have been awarded to Australian artists who are creating, producing and performing original art and to studying artists.

AbaF CEO Jane Haley said the “$1.8 million has had a big impact on the arts. AbaF and the 550 artists and arts organisations sincerely appreciate the generosity of the donors.”

Beneficiary Zoe Knighton of the Flinders Quartet said that the quartet wouldn’t be in existence without the Australia Cultural Fund.

“The ACF also allows us to subsidise our concert ticket prices, keeping subscriptions and tickets affordable, and pursue our aim of bringing chamber music to as many people as possible,” Knighton said.