For the last 30 years, the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) has been collecting, preserving and sharing Australia's audio-visual heritage.
NFSA Building, McCoy Circuit, Acton
The collection consists of a staggering 2.8 million works, which include:
1. Films
2. Television and radio programs
3. Videos
4. Audio tapes
5. Records
6. Compact discs
7. Phonograph cylinders and wire recordings.
The collection also includes documents and photographs, posters, lobby cards, publicity items, scripts, costumes, props, memorabilia, oral histories, and vintage equipment.
NFSA's goal is to
"develop a collection that has enduring cultural significance".
Works are
carefully preserved to prevent deterioration through careful packaging and storage in climate-controlled vaults in Mitchell.
Despite the careful storage and preservation of many works, there are still plenty of works accessible for visitors to view, listen to and study. The NFSA is very creative in the way they share this material, using
live exhibitions, film screenings, or online exhibitions. The collection can also be searched online. Current exhibitions at NSFA Canberra and online include:
ONLINE EXHIBITIONS:
Johnny O'Keefe: A Little Bit Louder Now
This exhibition is a celebration of the legacy of rock 'n' roll legend, Johnny O'Keefe with an exciting collection of exclusive materials. O'Keefe was a pioneer of Australian rock music during the late 1950s and early 1960s, renowned for hits such as 'Shout' and 'Wild One'.
Johnny O'Keefe: A Little Bit Louder Now celebrates one of Australia's first rock 'n' roll legends
It makes me feel a bit old to hear that Picnic at Hanging Rock is turning 40! This exhibition pays homage to the iconic Aussie film, and includes: rare videos, props, costumes, interviews, music, photographs, posters, as well as scripts and production documents from NFSA's collection.
Iconic Australian movie, Picnic at Hanging Rock is turning 40!
Every Aussie should be able to recite a few lines from the classic movie Muriel's Wedding, but it not, this exhibition will bring them all flooding back! Check out this online exhibition for a collection of rare videos, costumes, oral history, photographs, posters, documents and artefacts from the NFSA's collection to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the film (2014).
The film Muriel's Wedding turns 20 this year
Another fabulous 20-year-old Australian film, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is celebrated through this online exhibition that includes: behind-the-scenes photographs of the Oscar-winning costumes from the movie, interviews with costume designer Tim Chappel, as well as photographs, posters, and production documents from the NFSA collection.
An online exhibition celebrating the movie, The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert's 20th anniversary
In addition to these movie anniversaries, NFSA are also celebrating their own anniversary - 30 years of collecting, preserving and sharing Australia's audio-visual heritage as the National Film and Sound Archive. This online exhibition showcases highlights from the organisation's past three decades.
An online exhibition celebrating NFSA's 30 years of collecting, preserving and sharing Australia's audio-visual heritage
The NFSA shines a light on the phenomenal career of Jimmy Barnes with rarely-seen interviews, live performances, posters, photographs and oral history interviews in this curated collection and the accompanying online exhibition.
NFSA is open
Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Bench Room cafe is open until 3:00 pm. NFSA is sometimes open on Friday nights and weekends for special events, such as The Vinyl Lounge.
