Welcome to your guide to the National Film and Sound Archive, an institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the audio-visual heritage of Australia. From feature films to music, folk songs, Aboriginal language recordings and historical documents – the Archive holds a vast collection of 350,000 recordings and over two million photographs, films, videos, books and newspapers. Through this guide you’ll learn interesting facts about the National Film and Sound Archive, find out more about the archive’s events and activities, and discover how to visit this amazing collection for yourself. Get ready to explore and discover the amazing audio-visual history of Australia – with the National Film and Sound Archive!
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1. The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia was founded in 1984 and is currently the largest film and sound archive in the country.
2. The archive holds over 2 million items, including books, photographs, films, tapes, videos, and discs.
3. The archive also holds collections from some of the most famous Australian filmmakers and actors, and houses an impressive array of interactive exhibits and educational activities.
4. In 2006, the archive was officially listed on the Australian Heritage Register. This was done in recognition of its status as one of Australia’s most important cultural institutions.
5. The archive houses the largest collection of film artifacts from Australian film and cinema history, including props, costumes and production material.
6. The National Film and Sound Archive is the custodian of Australia’s Identifiable Works Register, which helps identify who owns copyright and neighbouring rights to published works.
7. Each year, the archive holds a variety of events and activities, including screenings, workshops, educational seminars, and much more for the general public.
The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, otherwise known as the NFSA, is a publicly-funded archive based in Canberra, the capital city of Australia’s Australian Capital Territory. It collects, preserves, and promotes Australia’s moving images, sonic heritage and other related archival materials.
The NFSA was established in 1984, the first public archive in the world to specifically focus on the audiovisual records of a nation’s film and sound culture. Initially, it was responsible for conserving, protecting, preserving and sharing the nation’s audiovisual heritage. It became the custodians of the nation’s moving image and sound heritage in all mediums, from music recordings, audio books and spoken word recordings, to television, feature films, home movies.
The NFSA’s collection includes one of the largest and most diverse film and sound holdings in Australia, covering over 100 years of material sourced from both general and specialised areas, covering the art, sciences, entertainment, recreation, and a multitude of other topics.
Much of the collection is available to the public through the NFSA Online. This includes 83 000 photographs, 1000 clips and over 600 films and television programs, with interviews, newsreel, memory bank, music videos, sports, and home movies. It has recently developed the NFSA Library, with digitised film, sound and photographic records for researchers and members of the public.
The NFSA’s Archives also hold extensive film and video collections, equipment, scripts, posters, and other artefacts. The public and industry professionals can access many of the holdings through the Archives’ subscription access services or a public loan service. The organisation holds regular film screenings, workshops, talks and tours, as well as special exhibitions. In addition, the NFSA also assists television and film makers to create ‘best practice’ moving images that last over time.
When visiting Canberra, a trip to the National Film and Sound Archive should definitely be on the list of must-see attractions. With a vast collection of films, sound recordings, videos and other audio-visual items, this place will let you explore the audiovisual heritage of Australia. Here is a guide for visiting the National Film and Sound Archive.
Getting There: The National Film and Sound Archive is located in Acton at: McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601. It can easily be reached by public transport with trains connecting from Civic Station through to the Jolimont Centre. Buses and taxis can also take you directly to the NFSA.
Opening Hours: The National Film and Sound Archive is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am – 5pm. It is closed on Mondays.
What to See: The National Film and Sound Archive houses a range of films, television programs, radio broadcasts, theatre works, music recordings, live music performances, photographs, and other audio-visual material. Some of the archives highlights include a restored 1922 silent film (The Sentimental Bloke); a 1965 nuclear test film (Nuclear Reactions); the first Australian-made music feature film (Slipstream); television programs (including the ABC’s Everybody Pulls the Strings); and recordings from Aboriginal radio networks.
Tours and Events: The National Film and Sound Archive offers guided tours for visitors to explore the collection and learn about the significance of films and sounds to Australia’s past. It also holds regular events and talks too.
Café: There is a café located inside the National Film and Sound Archive, offering hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. It’s the perfect spot to sit and relax after exploring the archives.
Admission: Admission to the National Film and Sound Archive is free.
If you’re looking to explore Australia’s audiovisual legacy, the National Film and Sound Archive in Canberra is the perfect place to do it. Whether you’re interested in film, television, recordings, or other audio-visual material, you will surely find something to explore and appreciate. Enjoy your trip!
Q. What is the National Film and Sound Archive?
A. The National Film and Sound Archive is Australia’s audiovisual archive, collecting, preserving and sharing Australia’s and the world’s audiovisual heritage. It is located in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.
Q. What is the purpose of the National Film and Sound Archive?
A. The mission of the National Film and Sound Archive is to collect, preserve and share Australia’s and the world’s audiovisual history, in order to showcase the diversity of human experience and encourage exploration and reflection on our shared culture.
Q. What kinds of materials does the National Film and Sound Archive preserve?
A. The National Film and Sound Archive preserves and shares audio-visual recordings such as film, television, radio, music, and digital media from Australia and around the world.
Q. How can I access materials from the National Film and Sound Archive?
A. The National Film and Sound Archive has an extensive online collection which is free to access, or members of the public can visit the Archive Research Centre in Canberra to view materials there. In addition to the online collection, the Archive also holds regular screenings and events.
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