An approved cultural institution (ACI) is not required to register an event at which unclassified films, computer games and publications are exhibited, displayed or demonstrated to the public.
What is an approved cultural institution?
There are two types of ACIs as defined in Section 6F of the Commonwealth Act.
Educational, cultural or artistic
An organisation formed wholly or mainly for the purpose of carrying on activities of an educational, cultural or artistic nature. It must:
- be of sound reputation in relation to the carrying on of those activities
- not screen films or demonstrate computer games that would be likely to be classified X 18+ or Refused Classification (RC)
- not exhibit publications likely to be classified Category 2 restricted or RC
- satisfy the training requirements
Government bodies
A department, agency or authority of the Commonwealth, a State or Territory, or body established under a State or Territory law and a local government entity. It must:
- not screen films or demonstrate computer games that would be likely to be classified X 18+ or RC
- not exhibit publications likely to be classified Category 2 restricted or RC
- satisfy the training requirements
Qualify as an approved cultural institution
To qualify as an ACI, your organisation must have staff who have been trained to assess materials for their likely classification.
The trained staff can be someone working for or with, or representing the ACI (whether in a paid or voluntary capacity) who is involved in the organisation's film screenings, game demonstrations and/or publications displays.
Contact training@classification.gov.au to arrange training.
Event requirements and restrictions
In order to legally exhibit, display or demonstrate unclassified products at an event, ACIs must follow the requirements and restrictions as set out in Section 6D of the Commonwealth Act and Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) (Conditional Cultural Exemption Rules) Instrument.
At all events
- A clear and legible notice regarding any age restrictions must be prominently and publicly displayed at each screening location.
- The event must be organised by the ACI.
- The assessments of the likely classification of the films, computer games and submittable publications must be made or approved by a trained person who will determine whether the material is suitable for general audiences or should be restricted to specific age groups.
Likely to be classified M or MA 15+
- Films and computer games likely to be classified M or MA 15+ must not be exhibited to anyone under 15 years unless they are accompanied by an adult.
Likely to be classified R 18+
- Films and computer games likely to be classified R 18+ must be restricted to people aged 18 years and over.
Likely to be classified X 18+ or RC
- Films and computer games likely to be classified X 18+ or RC must not be exhibited or demonstrated.
Likely to be classified Category 1 restricted
- Publications likely to be classified Category 1 restricted must only be displayed to people aged 18 years and over.
Likely to be classified Category 2 restricted or RC
- Publications likely to be classified Category 2 restricted or RC must not be displayed.
Variation and exemption
Variation to or exemption from these rules is available on application only and subject to approval by the Director of the Classification Board under Section 6H of Commonwealth Act.
If you are considering applying for a variation or exemption, please contact us.