Arguing the archive: reconceptualising the National Film and Sound Archive in a time of austerity

Abstract

This paper examines key issues emerging from the July 2014 Where We Are Heading sessions conducted between the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) CEO Michael Loebenstein, industry stakeholders and members of the public seeking to engage with the future direction of the NFSA. Analysis of transcripts from these public meetings reveals that significant conceptual and programmatic gaps exist between what the NFSA has done in the past, how it ‘self-actualises’ in terms of a national collection and what it can practically and effectively achieve in the near future. These significant challenges to the historical function of the Archive occur at a time of pronounced economic austerity for public cultural institutions and expanding, digitally driven curatorial responsibilities. Tensions exist between the need for the NFSA to increase revenue while preserving the function of an open and accessible Archive. Three key areas of challenge are addressed – digitisation, funding and the need for the NFSA to connect more broadly and more deeply with Australian society. The latter area is identified as crucial as the NFSA continues to articulate and actively promote the public value of the Archive through renewed programme and outreach efforts.

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