Check your diaries. The Australian Women in Music Awards 2019 is locked in.
The AWMAs return to the Brisbane Powerhouse on Oct. 8 and 9, with a raft of categories recognizing the often-unsung women making an enormous impact in the industry.
This year’s second-annual event sees the inclusion of three new categories, for excellence in classical music, music journalist award and excellence in image making, while trophies will again be handed out for producers, engineers, film makers, photographers, songwriters, industry leaders, artist managers and more.
“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 AWMA founding executive director and pioneering label executive Vicki Gordon.
Education will once more play a key role, with his year’s program featuring the AWMA Forum Series, covering off such topics as women in hip-hop, the “art of rebellion” and the changing face of music.
“It is the spirit of inclusivity and the acknowledgement of some long overdue contributions that is manifesting AWMA into a calendar event,” adds Gordon.
“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.”
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For its inaugural event in 2018, the likes of Amy Shark, Jen Cloher and Ngaiire collected silverware while Kate Ceberano, Emily Wurramara, Katie Noonan, Adalita and Do Re Mi were among the performers.
Nominations for the 2019 edition are now open, with the winners selected by a panel of industry experts. Performers will be announced in due course.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, which is why the Australian Women in Music Awards are so important,” enthuses Queensland’s minister for women, Di Farmer. “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.”
For more information, visit womeninmusicawards.com.au.
See the full list of AWMA 2019 categories below
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
Recognizes 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
Recognizes individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.
Studio Production Award
Recognizes a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment.
Live Production Award
Recognizes 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
Recognizes a female Industry Leader, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making significant impact in music industry leadership.
Songwriter Award
Recognizes an outstanding female songwriter or composer.
Emerging Artist Award
Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist.
Music Photographer Award
Recognizes a female music photographer currently working in the field and to acknowledge her body of work.
Film-maker Award
Recognizes 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
Recognizes exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre.
Excellence in Classical Music Award*
Recognizes 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
Recognizes 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
Recognizes 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 recognizing excellence in creative programming from women working in a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.
* The categories were developed in consultation with music industry professionals, First Nations Elders, and specialist researchers.