News May 25, 2021

Australian Women In Music Awards nominations open for 2021

The Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) are finally set to return to Brisbane in October, and online nominations are now officially open for the 2021 awards.

The Australian Women in Music Awards event aims to highlight the achievement of women in the music industry and establish national support for diverse female creatives and practitioners.

After being forced to cancel the 2020 event due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards will return as a two-day program on October 5 and 6, with online nominations for 17 AWMA categories open from May 25th until July 6th.

Legendary Australian singer-songwriter Tina Arena will also present a new Special Impact Award, which has been named in her honour.

Tina Arena. Credit: Supplied

The Tina Arena Special Impact Award will reportedly honour an unsung champion of the Australian Music Industry.

The recipient’s personal journey, contribution and service to the industry has an extensive impact on the Australian music community as a whole, working diligently and tirelessly, with little recognition.

“I believe that by working together, alongside the leadership of AWMA, we have an unprecedented opportunity to improve the culture of the Australian Music Industry for the better, and pave the way for more women to be recognised across the sector,” Arena said of the new award.

AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon said of the upcoming awards that celebrate women in music: “AWMA has enlisted an impressive panel of 30 jurors with representation from each Australian state music association, and a diverse range of music disciplines and culture.”

The inaugural event first took place in 2018, aiming to celebrate artists, performers, those working across technical, live and studio production, photography, music journalism, classical music, leadership, humanitarian work and more.

AWMA 2021 will host a number of forums, keynote addresses and local artist showcases at the Calile Hotel on October 5th, with the Awards ceremony, concert and cocktail function taking place at The Tivoli on October 6th.

Australian Women in Music Awards nominations are now open, with finalists being announced in August.