Australian Women In Music Awards Nominations Now Open

Today, on International Women’s Day, the nominations open for the prestigious Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA), class of 2023.

All 18 nomination categories are open today and fall under the umbrellas of Leadership, Artistry, Production, Advocacy and Media. View the categories below.

Nominations close on 26 April, with the Award Ceremony, Concert and Conference to be held in Meanjin/Brisbane on 26 and 17 September. The AWMA team will announce the 2023 Australian Women in Music Awards and Conference Program soon. You can nominate yourself or someone you know here.

“AWMA has become a powerful industry leader, to connect people and communities and to break down the systemic issues which have held women back for decades. Through AWMA we have effectively raised the collective voice demanding equitable access, safety and recognition for women in the Australian music industry,” Founding Executive Producer and Program Director Vicki Gordon commented in a press release.

She added, “This is reflected in the 936 women nominated, the 136 finalists and each of the 50 recipients who have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements since our inaugural event in 2018.”

This year, the AWMA has announced an exciting new category, the Inaugural Women in Heavy Music category, which Gordon said has been “created in direct consultation with industry to reflect the depth and breadth of influence women are having on music in this country.

“Powerful female figures, artist managers, booking agents and label managers are putting their stamp on a genre that’s been historically male-dominated. Women have become a driving force for Heavy Music across many sub-categories from folk to black metal, and we look forward to shining a light on their extraordinary contribution.”

Transgender women and anyone who is non-binary, or gender-nonconforming (GNC) is encouraged to apply.

AWMA 2023 AWARD CATEGORIES

1. 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.

2. Tina Arena Special Impact Award
   Honours an unsung champion of the Australian music industry.

3. 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.

4. Diversity in Music Award
   Recognises individual artists or female-driven musical collaborations for their contribution to advancing a culturally diverse and inclusive music industry.

5. 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.

6. Inaugural Heavy Music Award
   Recognises a female who has made contributions of outstanding significance as an artist, musician, music practitioner, agent, artist or label manager, supporter and/or advocator of Heavy Music.

7. Creative Leadership Award
   A curatorial award recognising excellence in creative programming from women working in broadcast media (radio, tv, online, streaming services), a music festival or live performance/venue to champion female artists. 

8. Artistic Excellence Award
   Recognises exceptional creative achievement from a female artist/musician across any genre. 

9. Studio Production Award
   Recognises a female sound engineer or producer who has made contributions of outstanding significance in the studio recording environment. 

10. Live Creative Production Award
    Recognises a female working in a live production environment making a significant impact in her field: includes but is not limited to roles such as Live Sound, Lighting & Visual Design, Set Design, Show Producer etc. 

11. Live Production Touring Award
    Recognises a female working in a live production or touring environment making a significant impact in her field: Includes Tour/Operations/Promotions Management, Tour Assistant, Backstage, Roadcrew, and other related support roles.

12. Music Leadership Award
    Recognises a female CEO, Managing Director, Label Manager, A&R Director, Artist Manager or Publisher making a significant impact in music industry leadership. 

13. Songwriter Award
    Recognises an outstanding female songwriter or composer.

14. Emerging Artist Award
    Acknowledges an outstanding emerging female artist. 

15. Music Photographer Award
    Recognises a female music photographer currently working in the field and acknowledges her body of work. 

16. Film Maker Award
    Recognises a female music videographer, clip-maker, film-maker, or music animator currently working in the field and acknowledges her body of work.  

17. 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. 

18. Excellence in Styling and Makeup (previously Image Maker 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 and cultural stereotypes. (*Stylist to include those working within costume and/or wardrobe activity).
    
    APRA AMCOS' 2023 Women In Music Mentorship program has also opened today, with 19 spots available in music genres, production, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander member, and US and UK-based members. Apply here.