The awards recognise the achievements of women throughout the music industry.
Prestigious, empowering and entirely inspiring, the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) returns for 2023, calling for women in music to nominate themselves or someone they know to shine the light and celebrate women in the industry.
Since its inaugural event in 2018, the awards has become one of the most important events on the Australian music industry calendar, acknowledging the vast contributions and shining a light on the incredible accomplishments of women across all areas of industry from onstage to those working behind the scenes, technicians, leaders, elders, performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, film-makers and photographers, music journalists, stylists, managers and more.
Nominations for 18 AWMA categories opened in early March and close on 26 April, with the Award Ceremony, Concert and Conference to be held in Meanjin/Brisbane on September 26 and 27. The full 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards and Conference Program will be announced soon.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon said, “AWMA has become a powerful industry leader, to connect people and communities and to break down the systemic issues which have held women back for decades. Through AWMA we have effectively raised the collective voice demanding equitable access, safety and recognition for women in the Australian music industry. This is reflected in the 936 women nominated, the 136 finalists and each of the 50 recipients who have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements since our inaugural event in 2018.” said Gordon.
“This year we are excited to announce the Inaugural Women in Heavy Music category created in direct consultation with industry to reflect the depth and breadth of influence women are having on music in this country. Powerful female figures, artist managers, booking agents and label managers are putting their stamp on a genre that’s been historically male-dominated. Women have become a driving force for Heavy Music across many sub-categories from folk to black metal, and we look forward to shining a light on their extraordinary contribution,” said Gordon.
View this post on Instagram
AWMA 2023 AWARD CATEGORIES (includes 2022 recipients):
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. In 2022 this award went to Deborah Cheetham OAM.
Tina Arena Special Impact Award – Honours an unsung champion of the Australian music industry. In 2022 this award went to Dina Bassile for her work creating disability access for live music and arts events.
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. In 2022 this award went to songwriter, composer, educator and performer Leigh Carriage.
Diversity in Music Award – Recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry. In 2022 this award went to disability activist and musician Eliza Hull.
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. In 2022 this award went to Genevieve Lacey.
Inaugural Heavy Music Award – Recognises a female who has made contributions of outstanding significance as an artist, musician, music practitioner, agent, artist or label manager, supporter and/or advocator of Heavy Music.
Creative Leadership Award – A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from women working in broadcast media (radio, tv, online, streaming services), a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists. In 2022 this went to musician and festival director and programmer Emily Ulman.
Artistic Excellence Award – Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre. In 2022 this award went to the internationally acclaimed classical musician and composer, Elena Kats-Chernin AO.
Studio Production Award – Recognises a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment. In 2022 this award went to electronic producer and musician Alice Ivy.
Live Creative Production Award – Recognises a female working in a live production environment making significant impact in her field: includes but is not limited to roles such as Live Sound, Lighting & Visual Design, Set Design, Show Producer etc. In 2022 this award went to outspoken advocate for women in the music industry Kait Hall.
Live Production Touring Award – Recognises a female working in a live production or touring environment making significant impact in her field: Includes Tour/Operations/Promotions Management, Tour Assistant, Backstage, Roadcrew, and other related support roles. In 2022 this award went to Casey O’Shaughnessy for her advocacy for safe and inclusive spaces for women in the industry.
Music Leadership Award – Recognises a female CEO, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making significant impact in music industry leadership. In 2022 this award went to Frontier Touring’s Sahara Herald.
Songwriter Award – Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer. In 2022 this award went to prolific artist Tania Doko.
Emerging Artist Award – Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist. In 2022 this award went to newcomer Martha Marlow.
Music Photographer Award – Recognises a female music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work. In 2022 this award went to the prolific, creative arts photographer Cybele Malinowski.
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. In 2022 this award went to rising star Lucy Knox with honourable mentions to finalists Natalie van den Dungen and Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran.
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. In 2022 this award went to Music Industry Observer’s Poppy Reid.
Excellence in Styling and Makeup (previously Image Maker 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 stereotypes. (*Stylist to include those working within costume and/or wardrobe activity). In 2022 this award went to Australian fashion innovator and designer Cindy Vogels.
The 2023 AWMA Honour Roll recipient will also be announced.
Head to womeninmusicawards.com.au to find out more and nominate. Nominations close 26 April, 2023. *AWMA encourages nominations from non-binary, GNC and anyone who identifies as a woman.
