Tables and umbrellas set up in the NFSA courtyard in the sunlight
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue%20hire_banner_courtyard.jpg

Venue hire

Venue hire

Host your next event at one of Australia’s leading cultural institutions. 

The National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) is one of the world’s first audiovisual archives. Our 1930s art deco building is an intimate and memorable location for your next event. 

We have four state-of-the-art venues and a dedicated technical team. Our venue hire services leave every detail cared for, so you just need to turn up and enjoy your event.  

Get in touch: Contact events@nfsa.gov.au or submit an event enquiry

 

Arc Cinema

Make a big impression with our grand art deco cinema.

The interior of a cinema pictured from the seats in the back looking towards the screen. There are people in seats watching a film on the screen.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue-hire_arc-cinema1.jpg

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 
  • permanently available accessibility seating for two
  • additional accessible seating for six can be made available on request
  • 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 technical assistant 

Download: Arc Cinema technical capabilities

 

Theatrette

An intimate venue with a window to the world.

Inside the theatrette at the NFSA
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue-hire_theatrette.jpg

The 110-seat Theatrette is an intimate option for smaller lectures, break-out 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
  • permanently available accessibility seating for two
  • additional accessible seating for two 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 technical assistant

Download: Theatrette technical capabilities

 

Courtyard

Enjoy the outdoors in our beautiful 1930s courtyard.

The courtyard at the NFSA with the pond in the front and tables and umbrellas in the background
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue-hire_courtyard.jpg

The art deco heritage courtyard features beautifully landscaped gardens framed by cloisters. The courtyard is the perfect venue for event receptions and live music events for up to 260 people.

 

Venue Details 

Capacity:  

  • up to 260 people
  • wheelchair accessible

Ideal for: 

  • performances 
  • cocktail receptions 
  • break-out space 

Hire of the courtyard includes:

  • audiovisual support

Download: Courtyard technical capabilities

 

The Studio

A meeting space with technology at your fingertips.

Inside of a meeting/conference room with a large screen at the front of the room.
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue-hire_studio.jpg

Our purpose-built studio and education space is perfect for your next meeting, webinar 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 

Download: The Studio technical capabilities

 

Front facade of the NFSA building
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-09/Venue-hire_front-facade.jpg

 

Additional information

MULTIMEDIA 

The NFSA requires all media to be displayed at the event in the final viewing version, at least five working days prior to event commencement. We will confirm required media formats as part of the venue hire agreement. We will charge a late fee of $100 per day for media not received within this timeframe.  

AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT 

A dedicated technician will be onsite to assist with your audiovisual needs. The venue hire fee includes projection and a fixed lectern and microphone. Additional audiovisual equipment may incur an extra fee. 

COPYRIGHT AND CLASSIFICATION 

The hirer will be fully responsible for any copyright clearances involved in any works exhibited as part of the venue hire agreement. The hirer must provide written clearances to the NFSA prior to the event. The hirer will be responsible for any liability if they fail to clear copyright correctly. Classification clearances for any works publicly exhibited will be the responsibility of the hirer, who must provide them in writing to the NFSA prior to screenings. 

TICKETING 

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

CONDUCT OF EVENTS 

The hirer shall ensure that all visitors invited to the event conduct themselves in an orderly manner. The NFSA reserves the right to remove from the premises any person whose conduct is disorderly or offensive. 

OPENING HOURS 

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 10.00am to 4.00pm 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 from 9.00am to 4.00pm. 

CLEANING 

If we consider any cleaning required after the event to be excessive, we will require the hirer to meet all cleaning costs as an additional fee. The NFSA will organise cleaning the day after the event. 

PARKING 

There are 39 paid parking spaces at the NFSA located on McCoy Circuit, six of which are reserved for guests with a disability. Paid parking is $3.00 per hour for a maximum of three hours, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. There is also street parking available around the NFSA. There is ample parking in the vicinity for after hours and weekend events.  

ACCESSIBILITY  

All areas of the NFSA are accessible by wheelchair via the Liversidge St entrance. T switch loops are also available in Arc and the Theatrette. Find more details on our venue accessibility page or contact the team at events@nfsa.gov.au.