Aus Women in Music Awards strikes cultural diversity partnership with Settlement Services

The Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) and Settlement Services International this morning announced a partnership through the presentation of the SSI Diversity in Music Award.

Settlement Services International is a community organisation and social business that works with vulnerable people including refugees, people seeking asylum and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, to build capacity and enable them to overcome inequality.

This fits in with AWMA founder and director Vicki Gordon’s aim for the awards to acknowledge the contribution and value of First Nations and multicultural performers.

This is through recognising their – and those of females in the broader community – excellence in artistry and musicianship, technical and production skills, cross-cultural development, songwriting, music education, music photography, film making, management, humanitarian work, leadership and more.

Gordon said that the new partnership provided the opportunity to cast the spotlight on talented women from culturally diverse backgrounds who generally fly under the mainstream radar.

“The partnership provides an opportunity for first arrivals to engage in a supportive environment set up to empower disadvantaged women through music,” Gordon said.

“AWMA provides opportunities for networking with First Nations and multi-cultural artists and music practitioners by creating a direct connection to the broader music industry sector.”

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis – Australian Telstra Business Woman of the Year 2017 – agreed, saying, “The Diversity in Music Award aligns with SSI’s Arts and Culture vision of advancing cultural diversity and supporting newly arrived artists to participate and contribute to Australia’s multicultural arts and culture communities.

“The collaboration between AWMA and SSI will support diverse communities in building artistic bridges and recognise the wonderful and varied talent that we have here in Australia, and that there really are great opportunities for all who want to contribute.”

Former refugee and hip-hop artist Kween G, who is performing at a launch event in Sydney tomorrow (September 12), is an example of the bridge between AWMA and SSI.

She sits on the AWMA Advisory Council and has been a long-time supporter and collaborator with SSI through its flagship arts and culture festival, New Beginnings.

The Australian Women in Music Awards are held at Brisbane Powerhouse, October 9-10.