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, alongside returning categories for that will recognise and celebrate producers, engineers, film makers, photographers, songwriters, industry leaders, artist managers and more.
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,” says Vicki Gordon, AWMA Founding Executive Director.
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.
Queensland’s Minister for Women, Di Farmer, encourages 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.” And so are we!
Nominations are open from today [11 June], with winners decided by a curated panel of expert jurors. Check the full list of categories below, send this to the music-industry focused females in your life and get nominating!
If you’re just keen to get behind the event in general, tickets to the 2019 AWMAs, to be held in Queensland at the Brisbane Powerhouse, are on sale from today as well.
AWMA 2019 CATEGORIES
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.
For further information, visit womeninmusicawards.com.au
