Audience growth slowed for many Arts & Culture organizations in 2025, but fundraising results remained strong. Revenue increased across much of the sector, even as attendance patterns shifted and subscriptions declined.
Of 618 organizations participating in the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse survey in late 2025, 89 self-identified as belonging to the Arts & Culture sector. Their responses provide insight into how leaders are balancing revenue stability, in-person engagement strategies, board expectations, and external funding pressures as the environment continues to change.
Here are three key themes that emerged:
1. Audience Participation and Donor Development
Changes in attendance did not always align with changes in donor growth. Nearly half of arts and culture organizations reported increased visitors and audience members, yet a larger share experienced declines than in the prior year, rising from 6% to 14%.
At the same time, organizations continued to grow their donor base. Two‑thirds increased new donors, and 53% retained 45% or more of those supporters.
2. Revenue Sources and the Fundraising Mix
Revenue increased for 62% of arts and culture organizations in 2025, even as subscription growth slowed. More than half (53%) do not operate a subscription or membership model. Overall, 19% reported increases in subscription or membership sales in 2025, down from 36% the prior year.
Meanwhile, 42% saw growth in both annual and campaign fundraising. In response, organizations leaned into direct engagement to retain supporters, with 75% identifying regular in-person events as their primary retention strategy. Face-to-face connection continues to anchor donor retention efforts across the sector.
3. Engagement Strategy and Organizational Capacity
Giving in arts and culture continues to rely primarily on annual and one-time individual gifts. Annual recurring gifts account for 54% of revenue, followed by one-time gifts at 36%. Non-cash assets and donor-advised funds play a smaller role.
Leaders are also preparing for what comes next. Many plan to expand or diversify revenue streams (67%), invest in staff skills (53%), and upgrade technology (50%). Nearly half anticipate changes to structure or reporting lines as they refine how fundraising functions operate.
Explore the 2026 Philanthropy Pulse Arts & Culture Sector Spotlight
These findings highlight several of the dynamics shaping arts and culture fundraising this year. The Arts & Culture Sector Spotlight provides additional context on government policy impacts, board participation, audience and subscription trends, and projected revenue changes—factors that influence how organizations are positioning for the year ahead.