2019 AWMAs: Full program of speakers & performers announced

The full program for the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) has been announced, with broadcaster, musician, writer, teacher, philanthropist and trans man Eddie Ayres revealed as the keynote speaker.

The 2019 AWMAs take place from October 8-9, and speakers will include Amy Sheppard, Yumi Stynes, Deborah Cheetham, Kween G, and Kim ‘Busty Beatz’ Bowers.

The ceremony is set to be emceed by Yumi Stynes and Alethea Beetson, while performers include Cheryl Barker, Tamara Anna Cislowska, Claire Bowditch, Katie Noonan, Melinda Schneider, NGAIIRE and more.

It will once again take place at the Brisbane Powerhouse in Queensland.

“Our 2019 keynote speaker, Eddie Ayres, is part of a hopeful vision for the future of women and diverse people in positions of power and creative control,” said Vicki Gordon, AWMA founding executive director.

“Because we are at a crossroads of dynamic possibilities for inclusivity, AWMA’s vision is to lead with generosity, to insist that our society benefits when musicians and those who work with them are empowered from a diversity of places, cultures and identities.”

The awards will include 15 categories, including Lifetime Achievement, Emerging Artist as well as new categories celebrating achievements in Music Journalism, Image Making and Excellence in Classical Music.

The following panels will take place over the two days:

VISIBILITY IN HIP HOP – Women On The Front Line

THE ART OF REBELLION – The Intersection of Music & Politics

IMAGE MAKING – The Changing Face of Music

HOW OPERA FORUM – Identity, Representation and Privilege

For full program information head to womeninmusicawards.com.au