News June 11, 2019

The Australian Women in Music Awards is set to return for its second year

Following an astounding inaugural edition in 2018, the Australian Women in Music Awards are set to make their return for a stunning second year.

Back in October, the Aussie music scene came together to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of women across the Australian music industry, honouring their achievements with the first-ever Australian Women in Music Awards.

Now, this year is set to see the event return for the second time, better and stronger, with three new award categories – including in the areas of classical music, music journalism and image making.

Opening nominations today, the Australian Women in Music Awards look set to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of producers, engineers, film makers, photographers, songwriters, industry leaders, artist managers, and more, introducing new awards for Excellence in Classical Music, Music Journalist Award, and Excellence in Image Making.

With all winners curated by a panel of expert judges, the AWMAs aim to bring long overdue spotlight to the vast number of women and female identities working tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that all communities across Australia’s music industry are seen, celebrated and given the space to thrive and relish.

“Inclusivity is a major priority for AWMA,” explained Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon. “We are working closely with diverse groups of women across all areas of the industry, including First Nations and culturally diverse women, LGBTQI and many others.

“It is the spirit of inclusivity and the acknowledgement of some long overdue contributions that is manifesting AWMA into a calendar event.

“We have so many wonderful people committed to the work we are doing,” Vicki Gordon continues. “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.”

Taking place at the Brisbane Powerhouse over the 8th and 9th of October, Queensland’s Minister for Women, Di Farmer, encouraged 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 explained.

“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.”

Nominations for the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards are open now via the AWMA website, with tickets to this year’s event also available for purchase.

A full list of the categories for which awards will be given is available below.

Check out the 2018 Australian Women in Music Awards aftermovie:

AWMA 2019 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.

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 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 a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists.