Arc Cinema

Make a big impression with our grand Art Deco cinema.

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Arc Cinema is a state-of-the-art, 242-seat venue capable of screening all manner of film formats from the early days of silent film through to the latest digital 3D images. Paired with a Dolby Digital EX sound system, Arc Cinema is the perfect venue for your next conference, lecture or film screening. 

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• 242 seats 
• three permanently available accessible seats
• wheelchair accessible 

Ideal for: 

• 2K and 4K digital cinema 
• 35mm and 16mm film 
• live performance 
• conference hosting 

Hire of Arc Cinema includes:  

• two ushers 
• one audiovisual technician 

Download: Arc Cinema technical capabilities

Theatrette

Pair a heritage aesthetic with contemporary audiovisual capabilities. 

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The 110-seat Theatrette is an intimate option for smaller lectures, breakout sessions or live performances. Video conferencing and streaming, wi-fi connectivity, laptop support table and charging points will keep your delegates connected throughout your session. 

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• 110 seats
• two permanently available accessible seats
• another two accessible seats can be made available on request
• wheelchair accessible

Ideal for: 

• screenings (digital files, DVD, Blu-ray) 
• live performance 
• conference hosting  
• training 
• lectures 

Hire of the Theatrette includes:  

• two ushers 
• one audiovisual technician

Download: Theatrette technical capabilities

Courtyard

Enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful 1930s courtyard.

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The Art Deco heritage courtyard features beautifully landscaped gardens framed by covered seating areas. The courtyard is the perfect venue for event receptions and live music events for up to 350 people.

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 350 people
• wheelchair accessible

Ideal for: 

• performances 
• cocktail receptions 
• break-out space 

Hire of the courtyard includes:

• audiovisual support

Download: Courtyard technical capabilities

The Studio

Deliver an efficient meeting, workshop or training session in our flexible studio space.

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Our purpose-built studio and education space is perfect for your next meeting, webinar, workshop or photoshoot. The space seats 30 in a theatre-style configuration or 15 boardroom-style. Our team can support audiovisual and streaming functionality.  

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 30 people
• wheelchair accessible

Ideal for: 

• training 
• boardrooms 
• break-out sessions 

Hire of the Studio includes: 

• lectern
• TV screen
• hardwired internet connection 

Download: The Studio technical capabilities

Foyer

Entertain in style in an elegant and distinctly Canberran event space.

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The Foyer features black marble floors – locally quarried and unique in Canberra – beneath a soaring, stained-glass platypus skylight. Recently refurbished to highlight these striking design elements, the Foyer is an elegant, flexible space suitable for a range of events, from intimate cocktail functions to product launches, press conferences and awards ceremonies.

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 62 guests, cocktail configuration
• up to 30 guests, cabaret configuration

Ideal for: 

• cocktail receptions
• press conferences
• product launches
• private dining 

Hire of the Foyer includes: 

• custom lighting
• speaker system for speeches and background music (additional fees apply)

Gallery

Present a bespoke event in a spacious, multipurpose venue with customisable add-ons.

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Home to major NFSA exhibitions over the years, the Gallery is now available for hire for large-scale events. This expansive, multipurpose space offers a blank canvas for bespoke experiences, with timber floors, vaulted ceilings and direct access to the spacious, heritage NFSA Courtyard. The Gallery is private and fully customisable, with the option to add staging, lighting and audiovisual equipment.

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 385, cocktail configuration
• up to 250, theatre configuration
• up to 214, cabaret configuration

Ideal for: 

• private dinners
• conferences
• commercial pop- ups
• music events 

Hire of the Gallery includes: 

• two ushers
• one audiovisual technician

Mediatheque

Relax and connect in the Mediatheque, a cosy, contemporary space with multimedia capabilities.

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A comfortable yet contemporary lounge space, the Mediatheque is perfect for informal breakout sessions, cosy private dining and screenings for small groups.

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 37 guests, cocktail configuration
• up to 20 guests, theatre configuration

Ideal for: 

• intimate film screenings
• private lunches
• meetings and workshops

Hire of the Foyer includes: 

• large screen
• customisable seating options

The Library

Host your guests in The Library, a unique and ambient space filled with pop culture curiosities.

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The Library is a treasure box of the NFSA’s most precious, wondrous and whimsical artefacts, with over 280 collection items on display. From soaring skylight to historic cabinetry, The Library is a memorable space to connect and celebrate, from small conference presentations and workshops to networking, speeches and music.

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

• up to 42 guests, cocktail configuration
• up to 40 guests, theatre configuration
• up to 20 guests, private dinner

Ideal for: 

• corporate functions
• private dinners
• fundraising events
• conference break-out sessions

Hire of the Foyer includes: 

• one usher
• customisable lighting states

Catering

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The NFSA’s catering partner is Church Neighbourhood Goods, a Canberra institution with a wealth of hospitality experience.

During the day, the Church cafe and bar at the NFSA serves locally-roasted Redbrick coffee and a selection of sandwiches and sweet treats. Open late for NFSA events, the bar offers craft beers, wine, cocktails, antipasto and more. 

Church Neighbourhood Goods offers bespoke catering services for NFSA venue hirers, with menu options to suit every occasion.

Additional information

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CANCELLATION 

If you cancel your event, you must cover the costs of any expenses incurred by the NFSA prior to notification of the cancellation. We will also charge a cancellation fee equivalent to 40% of the venue hire agreement if your event is cancelled fewer than five business days prior to the event date. 

DEPOSIT 

We do not require a deposit to secure your booking. 

INSURANCE 

Venue hirers must arrange public liability insurance to the value of $20 million for each event. 

MEDIA SUBMISSION DEADLINE 

To ensure your content is screened to the highest possible standard, all media must be supplied at least 14 days prior to your event. A fee of $100 per day will be charged for late submission of any media. 

The NFSA can provide conversions of media – fees will apply depending on format and quantity. 

COPYRIGHT AND CLASSIFICATION 

Hirers are responsible and liable for any copyright clearances related to any works exhibited as part of the venue hire agreement. Hirers are also responsible for classification clearances for any publicly exhibited works. Copyright and classification clearances (where applicable) must be supplied to the NFSA in writing prior to the event. 

TICKETING SERVICES 

The NFSA can sell or distribute tickets for your event on your behalf for an additional fee of $150 per event. Hirers must supply a valid tax invoice at the conclusion of the event for the monies collected.  

TECHNICAL REHEARSAL 

Venue hires include a one-hour technical rehearsal. Rehearsals are generally scheduled for Thursdays; fees may apply for rehearsals at other times.  

BUMP IN/OUT 

Bump in and out times are included in your venue hire and will be laid out in the final contract. Please discuss timings with your Venue Hire Coordinator to ensure sufficient time is scheduled. 

CONDUCT OF EVENTS 

Hirers must ensure that all visitors invited to venue hire events conduct themselves in an orderly manner. The NFSA reserves the right to remove from the premises any person whose conduct is disorderly or offensive.  

PUBLIC ACCESS 

If your event occurs within NFSA opening hours, you may be required to share some common areas with the general public. The NFSA is open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm daily (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and outside those hours for advertised events.  

DELIVERIES 

Please ensure all deliveries are made to the NFSA loading dock; deliveries to NFSA Reception will not be accepted. The loading dock is open Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 4.00 pm.  

CLEANING 

The NFSA will organise cleaning the day after the event. Hirers will be responsible for any excessive cleaning costs. 

Venue photography by Christopher Morris and Grace Costa