(L-R) NFSA CEO, Michael Loebenstein, AIATSIS CEO, Russell Taylor AM, Jude Barlow, NFSA Deputy Chair, Wayne Denning and AIATSIS Chair, Professor Mick Dodson AM. Photo: Irene Dowdy
Today, the Chairs of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA) and the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalising a relationship of collaboration between the two agencies.
Ms Gabrielle Trainor, Chair of the NFSA, and Professor Mick Dodson AM, Chair of AIATSIS, highlighted the importance of the MoU in marking a new stage in the collaborative relationship between the agencies.
"This MoU symbolises the already strong relationship that exists between our agencies. I look forward to working with AIATSIS on our shared goals, to ensure permanent access to Australia’s First Peoples’ cultural materials, knowledge, language and stories, in line with traditional owners’ cultural directions and aspirations," said Ms Trainor.
Prof Mick Dodson said that through the MoU, the agencies will share knowledge and information on audiovisual preservation standards and best practice.
"We will conduct training and capacity building activities for Indigenous communities; develop shared support frameworks for Indigenous staff members in both organisations; and work together to conduct research and joint initiatives to build understanding of and appreciation for their collections."
The MoU follows a number of existing successful collaborative projects. Since 2015, both organisations have worked with the Indigenous Remote Communications Association (IRCA) to deliver the Indigenous Remote Archival Fellowship, and will continue to do so annually under the MoU. This important project helps Indigenous organisations build the capacity and skills they need to manage their collections locally and maintain them for future generations.
The NFSA and AIATSIS are also working together, with a number of national collecting institutions, to develop a shared approach to the challenge of cultural heritage digitisation, through the development of the National Framework for the Digitisation of Audiovisual Heritage. Through the MoU the organisations will also work on place-making, along with the National Museum of Australia, to develop the Acton peninsula in Canberra as a shared culture and memory precinct.
The MoU will be in place for a period of four years.
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