Following a wildly successful inaugural year in 2018, the Australian Women in Music Awards will return on 8 and 9 October, shining a light once more on the incredible accomplishments of women across the Australian music industry. This year’s AWMAs are better and stronger, with three new award categories – including in the areas of classical music, music journalism and image making.
Last year’s event saw industry leaders and emerging Australian icons descend on the Brisbane Powerhouse and come away triumphant, with artists including Amy Shark, Jen Cloher and NGAIIRE all taking home awards, while performances by the likes of Kate Ceberano, Emily Wurramara, Katie Noonan, Adalita and Do Re Mi ensured that the inaugural Australian Women in Music Awards was one to remember.
NOMINATIONS OPEN
This year’s categories include three new awards for Excellence in Classical Music, Music Journalist Award and Excellence in Image Making. Producers, Engineers, Film Makers, Photographers, Songwriters, Industry Leaders, Artist Managers and more are set to be acknowledged and celebrated in their own right at this year’s ceremony – recognition that has gone untapped in an industry built on creativity and strength. Nominations are open from today [11 June], with winners decided by a curated panel of expert jurors.
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets to the 2019 AWMAs, to be held in Queensland at the Brisbane Powerhouse, are on sale from today. Tickets for individual events, including music industry forums and keynote speaker, as well as the Awards Ceremony & Concert, are available separately or as part of discount packages. Concessions are also available. Tickets Here
See category list with full criteria available at womeninmusicawards.com.au
Bringing a long overdue spotlight to the vast number of women and female identities working tirelessly behind the scenes has been at the centre of the AWMAs core ethos. Ensuring that all communities across Australia’s music industry are seen, celebrated and given the space to thrive and relish in the opportunity to have their work acknowledged so publicly, remains a priority for 2019’s event. “Inclusivity is a major priority for AWMA. We are working closely with diverse groups of women across all areas of the industry, including First Nations and culturally diverse women, LGBTQI and many others” said Vicki Gordon AWMA Founding Executive Director
INDUSTRY FORUM PROGRAM
Following an impactful year in 2018, this year’s event includes the AWMA Forum Series. Three forums featuring industry leaders from across the sector and diverse opinion makers will be held at the Brisbane Powerhouse. Forum topics include:
Visibility in Hip Hop – Women on the Front Line
The Art of Rebellion -The Intersection of Music and Politics
Image Making – The Changing Face of Music
Further details on the forums is available at womeninmusicawards.com.au
With the establishment of the AWMAs in 2018, Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon, says “It is the spirit of inclusivity and the acknowledgement of some long overdue contributions that is manifesting AWMA into a calendar event. We have so many wonderful people committed to the work we are doing. The AWMAs will keep getting bigger and more powerful; we are providing recognition for many women in the industry that have been ignored for far too long.”
– Vicki Gordon
Queensland’s Minister for Women, Di Farmer, encouraged women from all aspects of the music industry to nominate for the 2019 AWMAs. Ms Farmer said: “You can’t be what you can’t see, which is why the Australian Women in Music Awards are so important. Shining a light on the extraordinary achievements of women in music is a way we can encourage more talented women into the industry, both up front and behind the scenes. I’m also thrilled that the awards are being held in Queensland again. This state has so many talented women in the music industry and I’m looking forward to seeing them shine.”
Canon Australia Director of Consumer Imaging Jason McLean said: “As a founding major Partner of AWMA, Canon Australia is very excited that the second Event is coming up so quickly. This year’s events will build on what was established last year, as a platform for acknowledgement and real change for all Women, past, current and future in the Australian Music Industry. Creativity is a cornerstone of our Society and is something that has always resonated with our Imaging journey, and I can’t wait to see all the fabulous Women who are recognised and honoured in 2019.”
An event dedicated to further cementing the achievements of women in the wider history books, the countdown to the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards officially starts now.
For further information, visit womeninmusicawards.com.au
The following categories have been developed in consultation with music industry professionals, First Nations Elders, and specialist researchers:Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to a female artist or musician who has made an outstanding artistic contribution to the field of recording and/or live performance during her lifetime.
Humanitarian Award – Recognises an individual (female, male and GNC) who has made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and/or assisting female artists working in remote and/or regional communities.
Diversity in Music Award – Recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.
Studio Production Award – Recognises a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment.
Live Production Award – Recognises a female working in a live production or touring environment making significant impact in her field: Includes Tour Management, Live Sound, Lighting, Backstage and Roadcrew.
Music Leadership Award – Recognises a female Industry Leader, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making significant impact in music industry leadership.
Songwriter Award – Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer.
Emerging Artist Award – Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist.
Music Photographer Award – Recognises a female music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.
Film-maker Award – Recognises a female music videographer, clip-maker, film-maker, or music animator currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.
Artistic Excellence Award – Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre.
Excellence in Classical Music Award* – Recognises a mid-to-late career female classical music artist who has demonstrated musical excellence throughout her career.
*Includes conductors and artists working in the field of Opera.
Music Journalist Award – Recognises a female music journalist, blogger or editor who has made a creative contribution and courageous impact in truth telling and innovative reporting in the Australian Music Industry.
Excellence in Image Making Award – Recognises a female hair and/or makeup artist and/or stylist* working to change the face of music visually to break down gender, race and social cultural stereo types.
*Stylist to include those working within costume and/or wardrobe activity
Creative Leadership Award – A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from women working in a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.
The Australian Women in Music Awards are made possible with the proud support of the Queensland Government and Canon.
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