The work of women in the Australian music industry will be recognised with the return of the Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMA) in 2021, with nominations now open for 17 categories.
After successful years in 2018 and 2019, the AWMAs continue to spotlight the incredible achievements of women across a broad range of professions and trades: producers, engineers, filmmakers and photographers, to music journalists, songwriters, image makers, industry leaders, artist managers and more will be celebrated at AWMA.
With the 2020 event affected by the pandemic, the 2021 AWMAs once again return to Queensland to be staged in Brisbane at The Tivoli 5-6 October.
An ARIA Hall Of Fame member, adored and respected singer-songwriter Tina Arena AM will have a new award, the Special Impact Award, named in her honour.
"I believe that by working together, alongside the leadership of AWMA, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the culture of the Australian music industry for the better, and pave the way for more women to be recognised across the sector," Tina says.
The Tina Arena Special Impact Award will honour an unsung champion (working diligently and tirelessly, with little recognition) whose personal journey, contribution and service to industry has had an extensive impact on the Australian music community as a whole.
"AWMA has enlisted an impressive panel of 30 jurors with representation from each Australian state music association, and a diverse range of music disciplines and culture," AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon says.
"In particular, we welcome Dr Diana Tolmie as Chair of the 2021 AWMA Juror Council."
Dr Tolmie is a Senior Lecturer of Professional Practice at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a D’Addario International Artist. She is also a freelance woodwind specialist, performing both nationally and internationally.
"I am thrilled to be a contributor to this wonderful celebration of Australian women in music and to work with such fine industry artists and specialists," Dr Tolmie says.
"The AWMA Juror Council represents the broad reach of the music industry from every state and the strength of individuals passionately advocating for their various music professions and passions whilst contributing to the cultural change so greatly needed in the Australian music industry."
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland was delighted to host AWMA once again and welcome music women from the around the country to Brisbane for the 2021 event.
"It is wonderful to see this fantastic showcase of female talent, proudly supported by the Queensland Government, back on Australia’s events calendar," Ms Palaszczuk says.
"With two new categories, a groundswell of emerging young talent and Queensland’s strong health response to the pandemic, this year’s awards are set to be bigger and better than ever."
Online nominations for the 17 AWMA categories open today and close on 6 July.
More information.2021 Australian Women In Music Awards takes place at The Tivoli (Brisbane) 5-6 October.AWMA 2021 AWARD 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.
Inaugural Tina Arena Special Impact Award
This award honours an unsung champion of the Australian music industry.
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 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.
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.
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.
Songwriter Award
Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer. 10. 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 broadcast media (radio, tv, online, streaming services), a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.
