Whether they're industry matriarchs, songwriters, musicians, producers, engineers, filmmakers, photographers, journalists or some other member of the music industry, nominations are open for the 2024 Australian Women In Music Awards (AWMA).
Back for their fifth instalment having received 1,544 nominations, selected 190 finalists and celebrated 73 award recipients since launching in 2018, the AWMAs have quickly become an important event on the annual music industry calendar, celebrating both women onstage as well as those behind the scenes.This year's awards – which will again be staged in Brisbane on 2 October – will celebrate, recognise and praise the vast contributions women continue to make across the sector as well as shining a light on female First Nations and culturally diverse artists, artists with disability, technicians and music practitioners – scenestr is proud to again be a media partner of the AWMAs.
"The inaugural AWMA in 2018 was a watershed moment for the Australian music industry," Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon says.
"In a long overdue and much needed expression of solidarity and leadership, AWMA set the foundation for change, igniting collaboration and support nationally for diverse female creatives, non-binary and LGBTQI+ and GNC artists, First Nations and multicultural female artists, students, techs, female artists living in remote and regional areas, and music practitioners across all genres of music.
"In addition to the Awards ceremony and concert, our annual conference and First Nations women's music showcase amplify positive role models, helping to break down cultural barriers and negative stereotypes which have prevented women from succeeding for decades."
AWMA is made possible with support from the Queensland Government, together with corporate, industry and community partners and is an initiative of the not-for-profit charity, Australian Women in Music (AWM).
"Having been in this male-dominated industry for so many years, I'm thrilled to be joining the Board of AWM," incoming AWM Board Director and singer-guitarist Sarah McLeod says.
"The community is so strong and getting stronger every year. I'm excited to see where we can take it. The Awards help lift and recognise the talent and hard work that occurs on stage and behind the scenes. Nominate yourself or your friends. We want you in."
Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman stated AWMA represents an incredible opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while advocating to ensure that gender equality is adopted as a core music industry value.
"Our government has proudly supported AWMA since the very beginning, celebrating women onstage, backstage and behind the scenes while also promoting gender equality and diversity, including the voices of First Nations women.
"The future of our music industry looks bright as our government continues to invest in a ten-year roadmap to promote arts, culture, and creativity.
"As Minister for Women, recognising and celebrating the success of women is a vital part of promoting equality in any industry, and AWMA provides that opportunity through Australian music."
With 19 award categories spanning all music genres from rock to opera and the many behind-the-scenes roles vital to the Australian music industry, nominations are now open, with a strict submission cut-off date of 28 May, 2024.
The full 2024 AWMA ceremony, concert and conference programme will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned.
Australian Women In Music Awards 2024 Categories
Lifetime Achievement Award - 2023 recipients: Kate Ceberano, Jeannie Lewis and Clare MooreTina Arena Special Impact Award - 2023 recipient: Oana Gilbert (posthumous)
Humanitarian Award - 2023 recipient: Alison Hams
Diversity in Music Award - 2023 recipient: Cerisa Benjamin
Excellence in Classical Music Award - recipient: Celia Craig
Heavy Music Award - 2023 recipient: Emmy Mack
Creative Leadership Award - 2023 recipient: Claire Edwardes
Artistic Excellence Award - 2023 recipients: Vika & Linda
Studio Production Award - 2023 recipient: Robyn Lee Payne
Live Creative Production Award - 2023 recipient: Naomi Price
Live Production Touring Award - 2023 recipient: Jenny Moon
Music Leadership Award - 2023 recipient: Marianna Annas
Songwriter Award - 2023 recipient: Toni Watson (Tones and I)\
Emerging Artist Award - 2023 recipient: ASHLI
Music Photographer Award - 2023 recipient: Mia Mala McDonald
Filmmaker Award - 2023 recipient: Triana Hernandez
ARIA Executive Leader Game Changer Award - 2023 recipient: Emily Collins
Music Journalist Award - 2023 recipient: Jane Gazzo
Opera Australia Impact Award - new award in 2024
