News June 11, 2019

Australian Women in Music Awards 2019: Everything you need to know

Former Assistant Editor

The Australian Women In Music Awards are back in 2019 for a second year.

Following a successful inaugural event in 2018, the AWMAs return to the Brisbane Powerhouse on October 8 and 9 to further shine a spotlight on women working within the music industry.

Nominations are now open (June 11), including three new award categories: Excellence in Classical Music, Music Journalist Award and Excellence in Image Making. Tickets are on sale now.

“We have so many wonderful people committed to the work we are doing,” said AWMA founding executive director Vicki Gordon.

“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.”

The 2019 AWMA Forum Series has also been announced, with three forums featuring industry leaders and diverse opinion makers from across the sector.

Visibility in Hip Hop – Women on the Front Line
The Art of Rebellion -The Intersection of Music and Politics
Image Making – The Changing Face of Music

“You can’t be what you can’t see, which is why the Australian Women in Music Awards are so important,” said Queensland minister for women Di Farmer.

“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.”

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 CEO, 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.