Following a successful inaugural year in 2018, the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs) will return this year, shining a light once more on the incredible accomplishments of women across the Australian music industry. This year’s AWMAs are better and stronger, with three new award categories – including in the areas of classical music, music journalism and image making.
Last year’s event saw industry leaders and emerging Australian icons descend on the Brisbane Powerhouse and come away triumphant, with artists including Amy Shark, Jen Cloher and NGAIIRE all taking home awards, while performances by the likes of Kate Ceberano, Emily Wurramara, Katie Noonan, Adalita and Do Re Mi ensured that the ceremony was one to remember.
Producers, engineers, film makers, photographers, songwriters, industry leaders, artist managers and more are set to be acknowledged and celebrated in their own right at this year’s ceremony. The AWMAs look to recognise the wealth of hard work that has gone untapped in an industry built on creativity and strength. Bringing a long overdue spotlight to the vast number of women and female identities working tirelessly behind the scenes has been at the centre of the AWMAs core ethos. Ensuring that all communities across Australia’s music industry are seen, celebrated and given the space to thrive and relish in the opportunity to have their work acknowledged so publicly, remains a priority for this year’s event.
AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon said, “Inclusivity is a major priority for AWMA. 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. We have so many wonderful people committed to the work we are doing. 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.”
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