The Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) have been revealed as a global finalist in the 2021 Music Cities Awards.
AWMA are one of three finalists for Best Initiative to Support Diversity and Inclusion in Music, with the winner to be announced at a global ceremony next month.The other two finalists are Berlin-based charity Handiclapped, who organise and promote barrier-free live music events, and Kronendal Music Academy who provide stable, safe and nurturing spaces for music tuition for impoverished youth (aged 7-20) in Cape Town, South Africa.
With entries from 21 countries across 5 continents, the Music Cities Awards is a global competition designed to acknowledge and reward the most outstanding applications of music for economic, social, environmental and cultural development in cities and places around the world.
AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon says: "When we say we are leading the way in diversity and inclusion, we mean it. We are truly honoured to be recognised globally for all our hard work."
Adds Music Cities Events CEO Luke Jones: "It's truly inspiring to see how people and organisations around the world are using music to improve and develop their towns and cities, or to create more value for their organisations."
Vicki recently shared her thoughts about the ongoing fallout from the Dennis Handlin, Sony Music affair and the cultural change required to eradicate such behaviour from the industry.
"The music industry faces monumental challenges in relation to inequality, inclusivity and bad behaviour much of which is entrenched in an industry set up to benefit a certain kind of man," Vicki says.
Australian Women in Music Awards and Conference Program is scheduled to take place in Brisbane on 17-18 May, 2022.
