World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage History

World Day for Audio-visual Heritage aims to raise awareness of the importance of preserving audio-visual material, including film, television, radio, and audio recordings. These materials are invaluable records of our cultural and historical heritage; they reflect our societies' artistic, scientific, and socio-political aspects. As technological advancements lead to changes in recording formats, there is a growing need for preservation efforts to ensure access to this wealth of information for future generations.

In 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) adopted the resolution that declared October 27 as World Day for Audio-visual Heritage. This observance holds significant importance for Australians, given the rich history of the country's audio-visual industry. The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Australia's audio-visual legacy, including films, television programs, radio broadcasts, and recording productions from diverse cultural and linguistic communities.

Each year on October 27, various events are organised across Australia to mark World Day for Audio-visual Heritage. These events often include seminars, screenings, and exhibitions that showcase the nation's audio-visual treasures and highlight the importance of preserving and digitising these materials. The NFSA, along with other institutions and organisations, collaborate to create awareness about the challenges faced in audio-visual preservation and promote the potential of these archives for cultural, educational, and historical purposes. By participating in this global observance, Australians join hands with the international community in ensuring the continued preservation and accessibility of our shared audio-visual heritage.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage facts

• The theme for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage in 2025 was Your Window to the World. In 2024 and 2023 the theme was the same.
• Preserving audiovisual heritage can include digitization to create digital copies of analog materials, restoration to repair damaged materials, and proper storage and handling to prevent further deterioration.
• The Archives Act 1983 governs the preservation and maintenance of federal records in Australia, including audiovisual materials.
• Australia's first sound film was The Jazz Singer, screened in Sydney in 1928. This introduced a new era in Australia's audiovisual history.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Day for Audiovisual Heritage

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Learn about the history of Australian cinema, television, and sound recording through books, documentaries, and online resources.
• Enjoy Australian films, documentaries, and TV series at local cinemas or by streaming online platforms.