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With International Women's Day taking place tomorrow (March 8), what better way to kickstart the acknowledgement and celebration of the amazing womxn in the world than with the confirmation that the Australian Women in Music Awards (aka the AWMAs) will indeed go ahead this October, following the necessary postponement of the event last year due to the COVID pandemic.
The inaugural AWMAs event in 2018 was a watershed moment for the Australian Music Industry and highlighted the value and achievements of women, leading a major cultural shift, igniting collaboration and establishing national support for diverse female creatives and practitioners.
In just two years AWMA has delivered programs which have positively impacted the sector nationally, driving systemic change and reinforcing AWMA’s central tenant to make visible First Nations, multicultural artists, female technicians and music practitioners.
“What we are seeing, perhaps because of the lock-downs combined with the recent accounts of inappropriate behaviour, is an outpouring of creativity, generosity and support from all areas of industry. It is appalling that while AWMA is working to empower women in the music industry, the toxic culture that prevents women from succeeding continues to prevail. AWMA is not only necessary but is authentic and proud to be presenting more awards to unique women in 2021.” - Vicki Gordon, AWMAs Founding Executive Director & Producer
In 2021 Australian female artists continue to be under-represented on radio playlists, in festival line-ups and in production and technical areas; women hold only 28% of senior and strategic roles in key industry organisations and earn far less than their male counterparts; women are significantly less likely to be honoured in the music industry’s most prestigious awards and are under-represented in the boardrooms of our peak music industry bodies.
In 2021 AWMA will once again turn the spotlight on women, recognising and including First Nations and multicultural artists and performers, women working in technical, live and studio production, artistry, back stage, on stage, song writing, photography, music journalism, classical music, leadership, humanitarian work and more. With the support of the Queensland Government, a delegation of First Nations artists and music practitioners from remote and regional communities will travel to Brisbane to attend AWMA.
AWMA 2021 will include a series of forums, keynote address, local artist showcase and networking opportunities at the Calile Hotel (5 October), as well as the coveted Awards ceremony, concert and cocktail function at The Tivoli (6 October).
Among this year’s Award highlights, the 2021 AWMA Honour Roll will be announced providing a platform for recognition of exceptional creative pioneers in our sector joining Judith Durham AO (2019) and the late Helen Reddy in (2018). The 2021 AWMA Lifetime Achievement recipient will join the legendary Renèe Geyer, Little Pattie, Margret RoadKnight and Joy McKean.
AWMA nominations will open in May with finalists announced in late August 2021.
#savethedate AWMA 2021, 5-6 October, Brisbane