After an amazing inaugural awards last year, the Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMA) returns in 2019, with an additional three award categories (classical music, music journalism and image making).
Designed to place a spotlight on 'the vast number of women and female identities working tirelessly behind the scenes' of the music industry, the AWMAs offer recognition for a portion of the music community who are usually unknown to mainstream music fans.
"It is the spirit of inclusivity and the acknowledgement of some long overdue contributions that is manifesting AWMA into a calendar event," founding AWMA Executive Director, Vicki Gordon says.
"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," Vicki says.
With 2019 AWMA nominations open from today (winners will be decided by a curated panel of expert jurors), producers, engineers, film-makers, photographers, songwriters, industry leaders, artist managers and others related to the industry have the opportunity to have their professional achievements celebrated like never before.
Queensland’s Minister for Women, Di Farmer encourages women from all aspects of the music industry to nominate for the 2019 AWMAs. "You can't be what you can't see, which is why the Australian Women In Music Awards are so important," Ms Farmer says.
"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."
Inaugural AWMA winners included Amy Shark, Jen Cloher and NGAIIRE, while the 2018 Awards ceremony featured performances by the likes of Kate Ceberano, Emily Wurramara, Katie Noonan, Adalita and Do Re Mi.
2019 AWMAs will also host an industry forum programme featuring industry leaders and diverse opinion makers from across the sector. Topics that will be discussed include Visibility in Hip Hop – Women on the Front Line; The Art of Rebellion - The Intersection of Music and Politics; and Image Making - The Changing Face of Music.
2019 Australian Women In Music Awards (and forums) takes place at Brisbane Powerhouse 8-9 October. Tickets are on sale now. Click here for more information.
AWMA 2019 Categories
The following categories have been developed in consultation with music industry professionals, First Nations Elders, and specialist researchers.
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
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 Production Award
Recognises 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
Recognises a female Industry Leader, 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.
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 make-up 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 a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.
