After extraordinarily successful years in 2018 and 2019, Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA) will return this year on October 5 and 6, shining a light once more on the incredible accomplishments of women in the Australian music industry.
Online nominations for 17 AWMA categories open today (25 May) and close on 6 July.
World-renowned and cherished singer-songwriter Tina Arena will present a new Special Impact Award, to be named in her honour.
Tina Arena said: “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.”
The Tina Arena Special Impact Award will honour an unsung champion of the Australian Music Industry. The recipient’s personal journey, contribution and service to industry has had an extensive impact on the Australian music community as a whole, working diligently and tirelessly, with little recognition.
Also this year, the Live Production Award has been expanded to two separate awards; one for live creative production and another for live touring production.
These awards acknowledge specialist disciplines such as the role of the ‘roadie’, a particularly challenging role for women, which is integral to delivering live music and entertainment.
Producers, Engineers, Film Makers and Photographers, Music Journalists, Songwriters, Image Makers, Industry Leaders, Artist Managers and more will be celebrated at AWMA.
AWMA Founding Executive Director Vicki Gordon said: “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. In particular, we welcome Dr Diana Tolmie as Chair of the 2021 AWMA Juror Council.”
Dr Tolmie is a Senior Lecturer of Professional Practice at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a D’Addario International Artist. She is also a freelance woodwind specialist in a multitude of genres, performing both nationally and internationally.
Dr Tolmie said: “I am thrilled to be a contributor to this wonderful celebration of Australian women in music and to work with such fine industry artists and specialists.”
“The AWMA Juror Council represents the broad reach of the music industry from every state and the strength of individuals passionately advocating for their various music professions and passions whilst contributing to the cultural change so greatly needed in the Australian Music Industry.”
