The Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMAs) have been forced to postpone their 2020 event till next year due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
The difficult decision to push the Awards back to October 2021 was made as the continuing uncertainty about public gatherings and domestic travel related to coronavirus restrictions make planning an event like AWMAs (that has an extended lead-time for the nomination and judging process) not viable.AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon said: "The decision to postpone the 2020 AWMA ceremony and programme has been very difficult, particularly given the important role music plays in healing and recovery.
"While we are extremely disappointed, we need to put the health, safety and well-being of our artists and the community first. In the meantime, we will redouble our efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contribution women make in all aspects of the music industry and continue to advocate for greater female representation on all the relevant industry boards, backstage, technical, production, classical areas and festival representation as our industry strives to rebuild itself.
"Since the inaugural AWMAs in 2018, we have welcomed significant change with a heightened awareness of gender issues across the industry. Around 90 finalists and award recipients, as well as hundreds more nominees, performers and supporters have been recognised through the increased public profile of AWMA. However, our gains must be maintained and there is still a long way to go to achieve equality.
"It is incredibly encouraging to see the likes of inaugural AWMA Breakthrough Artist award recipient Amy Shark, along with AWMA Patrons and supporters including Tina Arena, Kate Ceberano, Melinda Schneider and Deborah Conway finding new ways to spread their message, forge alliances, community and solidarity for ongoing change."
Planning is already underway for the 2021 Australian Women In Music Awards, to be held in Brisbane.
Click here to read the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards winners.
