2022 Art Music Awards

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

HOW TO NOMINATE:

Nominating is now simpler than ever!

Step 1: To nominate you need to be either:

• A member of APRA AMCOS (Composer, Author or Publisher member)
• A financial member of the Australian Music Centre (AMC). You can join here.

Step 2: Read through the 'Guidelines Overview' and 'Full Rules & Guidelines' below to ensure your nomination meets the criteria.

Step 3: Provide essential information about your nominee/s (category, work, name of nominee etc.).

Step 4: Write a short paragraph on why you're nominating this person/organisation/work and THAT'S IT!

Please note that you cannot self-nominate in any category. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

IF YOU GET NOMINATED:

If you are nominated, we'll be in touch with you via email after the nomination period closes.

Step 1: Confirm that you'd like to accept the nomination, or select which nomination to proceed with if you have been nominated with multiple options in a single category.

Step 2: Submit all requested support material by the due date.

Step 3: Provide any press material (additional photos, videos or bio information) to be used if you are selected as a finalist and THAT'S IT!

NOMINATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

The Art Music Awards consists of eleven awards (for works, performances, and excellence in education, regional areas, and experimental music), and up to ten Luminary awards (for sustained contribution of individuals or organisations to their state/territory community or on a national scale). Additionally, the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music is presented at the discretion of the Board of Publisher and Writer Directors of APRA.

Work of the Year: Choral

Accompanied or unaccompanied works for massed voices (more than 1 singer per part).

Work of the Year: Chamber Music

Works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics.

Work of the Year: Large Ensemble

Works for more than 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics. This may include works for orchestra, concert band, wind band, string orchestra.

Work of the Year: Dramatic

Music primarily intended for theatre and dance, such as opera, music theatre and ballet.

Work of the Year: Electroacoustic / Sound Art

Works which utilise and manipulate digital and/or analogue sound as the primary medium. The work may be interdisciplinary (incorporating more than one media). It may include, but is not limited to: electronics, interactive work, generative music, environmental sound, installations, soundscapes, electroacoustic music and intermedia works.

Work of the Year: Jazz

Original Jazz works of any instrumentation, including improvisatory composition.

Performance of the Year: Notated Composition

For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in revealing the nature and intention of a composition with clear and notated instructions for the performer. Works with significant improvisatory aspects should instead be submitted for Performance of the Year: Jazz / Improvised Music.

Performance of the Year: Jazz / Improvised Music

For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in improvisatory creation or collaboration. This may entail entirely improvised work or significant improvisatory input such as solo passages.

Award for Excellence in Music Education

For pedagogical, creative or professional development activities that champion Australian repertoire, including specific projects, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by an individual or organisation.

Award for Excellence in a Regional Area

For activity undertaken in a regional area, utilising Australian repertoire to create a positive impact for the local community.

Award for Excellence in Experimental Music

For works, people or events that interrogate, extend, or challenge standard artistic practice within the Australian repertoire.

Luminary Awards – National Awards (Individual)

The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals who, through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire. No finalists are announced in the Luminary categories. Winners will be announced at the event.

Luminary Awards – National Awards (Organisation)

The Luminary Awards seek to honour organisations who through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire. No finalists are announced in the Luminary categories. Winners will be announced at the event.

Luminary Awards – State/Territory Awards

The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals and organisations who through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted their communities on a state or territory level through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, and engagement with their Australian art music. repertoire. No finalists are announced in the Luminary categories. Winners will be announced at the event.

Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music

Presented at the discretion of the Board of Publisher and Writer Directors of APRA the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music seeks to honour an individual, group or organisation who through sustained contribution over a number of years, have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.

Nomination

Any APRA AMCOS or AMC member can submit nominations in any/all of the 14 categories (with a limit of 1 nomination per category).

Unless otherwise noted, all categories of the Art Music Awards are open to all genres and practices of art music, including but limited to; contemporary classical, contemporary jazz, notated composition, improvised music, digital music, sound art, and experimental practice.

You cannot self-nominate. This includes organisations/people you work for, represent, or who work for you.

You must provide nomination details & a short statement outlining why you feel the work, individual, organisation, or performance is worthy of this award; the Nominee will provide the required assessment material.

Note the eligibility requirements for each category:

• Work of Year categories (single Australian composition first presented to the public in 2021)
• Performance of the Year categories (performance of a single Australian work in 2021)
• Excellence categories (for activity in 2021)
• Luminary Awards (for sustained contribution demonstrated within the period, 2017-2021)

Submissions

All nominations are passed onto the nominated individual/organisation via email and the Nominee will be invited to submit the required assessment materials. A Nominee can only submit once per category. If they have received multiple nominations in a single category, they must choose which nomination to proceed with.

All assessment material requirements are listed in each award category (see Rules of Nomination & Award below) and will be detailed on the submission portal.

Please Note: For submissions using Indigenous content (such as language, titles, narratives or themes) supporting documentation must be supplied showing consultation and permission from the appropriate community/communities.

Judging

All submissions are checked for eligibility and then passed on for assessment by an expert panel.

Each Annual Award has its own 3-person panel of experts overseen by the Annual Awards Chair.

All Luminary Awards are assessed by a single committee of 5 industry experts from across Australia, overseen by the Annual Awards Chair.

APRA AMCOS and AMC are committed to ensuring a diversity of viewpoints are represented in our judging panels across gender, genre, geography, generation, and culture. The list of all judges (in aggregate) is made public after assessment is completed.

Finalists

For the Annual Awards, four finalists are selected in each category and announced ahead of the ceremony.

For the Luminary Awards, no finalists are announced; the winners are announced during the ceremony.

Awards

Winners of all categories will be announced at the 2022 Art Music Awards ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in Melbourne on 31 August 2022.

The Annual Richard Gill Memorial Distinguished Services Award will also be presented at the 2022 Art Music Awards ceremony, at the discretion of the Boards of Directors of APRA and of AMC.

FULL RULES OF NOMINATION AND AWARD

NOMINATIONS ACCEPTED FOR WORKS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE 2021 CALENDAR YEAR.
ART MUSIC AWARDS ARE PRESENTED BY APRA AMCOS AND THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC CENTRE (AMC)

Please view the full guidelines below or alternatively you can access via pdf here.

A. THE AWARDS

Presented at the discretion of the Board of Publisher and Writer Directors of APRA, the Richard Gill Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music seek to honour an individual, group, or organisation who through sustained contribution over a number of years, have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.

3. The Awards will be in the form of a certificate or trophy suitably inscribed.

B. ELIGIBILITY AND DEFINITIONS

1. Work of the Year Categories

1. A work is defined as a single complete musical composition, or expression. This includes music with movements or sub-works (i.e. song cycles), installations, and real-time compositions (improvised music).
2. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.
3. The work must have been made publicly available for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

e. Self-nomination by composers in the Work of the Year categories is not permitted. (see Section B, 5.i.)

2. Performance of the Year Categories

a. The performance must have taken place publicly in the year prior to that of the Award (2021).

b. The performance may have taken place anywhere in the world.

c. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer with permanent residence in Australia.

d. There is no requirement on a year of composition or completion (heritage works are eligible).

e. Public broadcast of a live studio or concert performance in the same year is eligible as a public performance. (This includes radio broadcasts, live streams, podcasts, and other digital distribution of a live recording).

f. Nominations of performances of non-score-based works are also encouraged.

g. Self-nomination by the performer in Performance of the Year categories is not permitted. (see Section B, 5.i.)

3. The Award for Excellence Categories: Music Education; Regional Area; and Experimental Music

a. Awards for Excellence can be awarded for a range of activities that champion Australian repertoire, including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual or organisation.

b. Awards are made for activities which took place in the year prior to the award (2021). Nominations for sustained contribution should be made in the Luminary Award categories instead.

c. In all Excellence Categories, the winner in the previous year is not eligible to be nominated in the following year.

d. Nominations for organisations in the Awards for Excellence should demonstrate excellence above and beyond the standard remit or mission of that organisation. Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album.

e. In the category for the Award for Excellence in a Regional Area, judging will prioritise those individuals or organisations located in regional areas, however the judging panel may also choose to consider exceptional activities by metropolitan-based organisations or individuals working in regional areas. The panel will also include assessment of the impact of the nomination in the location(s) of the activity.

f. Nominations in the Award for Excellence in Experimental Music must provide a rationale that demonstrates how the nomination questions or extends standard practice.

g. Nominations for Awards for Music Education are for pedagogical, creative or professional development activities that champion Australian repertoire.

h. Self-nomination in Excellence categories is not permitted. (see Section B, 5.i.)

4. Luminary Awards

a. The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals or organisations who, through sustained contribution (demonstrated during the period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national, or state level.

b. Nominations for Luminary Awards are made for activities which took place during five years prior to the award (2017-2021).

c. Winners of Luminary Awards are not eligible to be nominated in their category for three years following their award.

d. A nominee may be nominated for both a National Luminary and a single State Luminary Award. In the case of multiple State nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which state they would like to submit in (based on their geographic location during the period in question).

e. Only the recipients of the Luminary Awards will be announced; there are no finalists for these categories.

f. Self-nomination in Luminary Awards is not permitted. (see Section B, 5.i.)

5. All Categories:

a. Submissions for awards nominations will only be accepted through the online nomination form, located at https://awardnominations.austr...

b. Non-Indigenous nominees using Indigenous content (such as language, titles, narratives or themes) must supply supporting documentation that they have consulted with the appropriate communities and have obtained their permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property.

c. Nominations will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation (see Section C: AWARD INFORMATION & ASSESSMENT CRITERIA).

d. The nominee (or the copyright owner of the entry if different from the nominee) shall permit APRA AMCOS, and any person APRA AMCOS authorises, to perform the entry in and as part of the Art Music Awards ceremony if deemed appropriate, and to record it for those purposes and for the purposes of communication to the public or promotional use.

e. The nominee agrees to allow APRA AMCOS’ use of audio and video in relation to the nomination package for the Art Music Awards for promotional purposes.

f. Individuals and organisations who are not members of APRA or AMC and would like to submit a nomination need to join by going to the website or by contacting APRA or AMC directly.
Please note: To become an APRA AMCOS member you must be either a composer, author, or publisher of a musical work.

g. Nominators can only nominate once for each award category each year.

h. APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category, or defer the category to the following year, should six or fewer eligible nominations be received.

i. Self-nominations are not permitted. Self-nomination also includes nomination of people or organisations you work for, represent, or who work for you.

i. Unless otherwise noted, all categories of the Art Music Awards are open to all genres and practices of art music, including but not limited to; contemporary classical, contemporary jazz, notated composition, improvised music, digital music, sound art, and experimental practice.

C. AWARD INFORMATION & ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Work of the Year: Choral

Definition:

a. Choral works are defined as accompanied or unaccompanied works for massed voices (more than 1 singer per part).

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (i.e. 2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination
- Supporting documentation such as program notes
- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

2. Work of the Year: Chamber Music

Definition:

a. Chamber music is defined as works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics.

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (i.e. 2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes
- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

3. Work of the Year: Large Ensemble

Definition:

a. Large ensemble music is defined as works for more than 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics. This may include works for orchestra, concert band, wind band, string orchestra.

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

4. Work of the Year: Dramatic

Definition:

a. Dramatic works are defined as music primarily intended for theatre and dance, such as opera, music theatre and ballet.

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

5. Work of the Year: Electroacoustic / Sound Art

Definition:

1. For works which utilise and manipulate digital and/or analogue sound as the primary medium. The work may be interdisciplinary (incorporating more than one media).
   1. It may include, but is not limited to; sonic art, electronics, interactive work, generative music, environmental sound, installations, soundscapes, electroacoustic music, and intermedia works.
      
      

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work
- Any librettists or sources for text used (as appropriate). If the work is a collaborative project, it should be made clear who is the author or contributor of each element of the work.

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

6. Work of the Year: Jazz

Definition:

a. For an original Jazz work of any instrumentation, including improvisatory composition.

General:

b. The work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia.

c. The work must have been made available to the public for the first time (i.e. by live or digital performance, video/audio broadcast, or commercial release) within the year prior to the Award (2021).

d. A work may only be submitted in a single Work of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination by the composer in Work of the Year categories is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A composer may only have a single work in this Work of the Year category. If multiple compositions by the same composer are nominated, the composer will be asked to select which work they would like to proceed with.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s) of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording). MIDI realisations will not be accepted.

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Compositions will be assessed as to their quality, on the basis of materials supplied with the nomination/submission form. Consideration may be given in the assessment to:
- compositional craft,
- creativity or originality, and
- excellence or quality.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

7. Performance of the Year: Notated Composition

Definition:

a. For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in revealing the nature and intention of a composition with clear notated instructions for the performer. Works with significant improvisatory aspects should instead be submitted for Performance of the Year: Jazz / Improvised Music.

General:

b. The performance must have taken place publicly in the year prior to that of the Award (2021). Public broadcast of a studio or concert performance in the same year is eligible as a public performance. (This includes radio broadcasts, live streams, podcasts, or other digital distribution of a live recording)

c. The performed work must have been composed by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia. There is no requirement on a year of composition or completion (heritage works are eligible).

d. The performers need not be citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

e. A performance may only be submitted in a single Performance of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

f. Self-nomination by the performer(s) in this category is not permitted

g. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work, and the Performer(s) of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

h. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

i. Performers may only have a performance of a single work in this Performance of the Year category. If multiple performances by the same performer are nominated, the performer will be asked to select which one they would like to proceed with.

j. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- All composers of the work

- Performer of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording of the nominated performance. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording).

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

l. Performances will be assessed solely on:
- their quality and interpretation

m. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

n. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

8. Performance of the Year: Jazz / Improvised Music

Definition:

a. For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in improvisatory creation or collaboration. This may entail entirely improvised work or significant improvisatory input such as solo passages.

General:

b. The performance must have taken place publicly in the year prior to that of the Award (2021). Public broadcast of a studio or concert performance in the same year is eligible as a public performance. (This includes radio broadcasts, live streams, podcasts, or other digital distribution of a live recording)

c. The performed work must have been composed and/or improvised by an Australian citizen or by a composer who has permanent residence in Australia. There is no requirement on a year of composition or completion (heritage works are eligible).

d. The other performers need not be citizens or permanent residents of Australia.

e. A performance may only be submitted in a single Performance of the Year category. If a work is eligible for multiple categories, the nominee may select which category to submit under.

Nomination:

f. Self-nomination by the performer in this category is not permitted

g. The nominator must clearly provide the Title and Composer of the work, and the Performer(s) of the work along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

h. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

i. Performers may only have a single performance in this Performance of the Year category. If multiple performances by the same performer are nominated, the performer will be asked to select which one they would like to proceed with.

j. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

- Title of the work

- Composer(s)/improviser(s) of the work

- Performer of the work

- Any librettists or sources for text used in the work (as appropriate)

- An audio and/or video recording of the nominated performance. For works over 10 minutes, a 10-minute or less sample or showreel of the work should also be provided (in addition to complete sound recording).

- Music score, performance instructions or lead sheets (in PDF file format)

- Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination

- Supporting documentation such as program notes

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property

Assessment:

k. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

l. Performances will be assessed solely on:
- their quality and intention

m. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

n. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

9. Award for Excellence in Music Education

Definition:

a. For pedagogical, creative or professional development activities that champion Australian repertoire, including specific projects, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by an individual or organisation.

General:

b. Awards for Excellence can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual or organisation.

c. Awards are made for activities which took place in the year prior to the award (2021). Nominations for sustained contribution should be made in the Luminary Award categories.

d. In all Excellence Categories, the winner in the previous year is not eligible to be nominated in the following year.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination in this category is not permitted

f. The nominator must clearly provide a name for the project and its instigator, along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single project in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A nominee may only submit a single project toward this category each year. In the case of multiple nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which project they would like to submit.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the year prior to the award (2021).
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination, and

– An outline of the activities/project (up to 300 words). (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words).

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material, from the year prior to the award (2021), and relevant scores, are strongly encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. Nominations for organisations in the Awards for Excellence should demonstrate excellence above and beyond the standard remit or mission of that organisation.

l. Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album.

m. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

n. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

10. Award for Excellence in a Regional Area

Definition:

1. For activity undertaken in a regional area, utilising Australian repertoire to create a positive impact for the local community.
2. A regional area is defined as Australian areas outside of capital cities.
   
   

General:

b. Awards for Excellence can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual or organisation.

c. Awards are made for activities which took place in the year prior to the award (2021). Nominations for sustained contribution should be made in the Luminary Award categories.

d. In all Excellence Categories, the winner in the previous year is not eligible to be nominated in the following year.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination in this category is not permitted

f. The nominator must clearly provide a name for the project and its instigator, along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single project in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A nominee may only submit for a single project toward this category each year. In the case of multiple nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which project they would like to submit.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the year prior to the award (2021).
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination, and

– An outline of the activities/project (up to 300 words). (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words).
– Outline of the impact of the project/activities in the region(s) in which it took place (up to 500 words). Include clear statement etc. as above.

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material, from the year prior to the award (2021), and relevant scores, are strongly encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. In the category for the Award for Excellence in a Regional Area, assessment of nominations will:
- the impact of the nomination in the location(s) of the activity and consequent benefit.
- prioritise those individuals or organisations located in regional areas.
However, the judging panel may also choose to consider exceptional activities by metropolitan-based organisations or individuals working in regional areas

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

11. Award for Excellence in Experimental Music

Definition:

a. For works, people or events that interrogate, extend, or challenge standard artistic practice within the Australian repertoire.

General:

b. Awards for Excellence can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual or organisation.

c. Awards are made for activities which took place in the year prior to the award (2021). Nominations for sustained contribution should be made in the Luminary Award categories.

d. In all Excellence Categories, the winner in the previous year is not eligible to be nominated in the following year.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the details of the nominee, along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only nominate a single work in this category each year.

Submission:

h. A nominee may only submit for a single project toward this category each year. In the case of multiple nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which project they would like to submit.

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the year prior to the award (2021).
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination. (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words).
– Outline of how the nomination questions or extends standard practice (up to 500 words).

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material from the year prior to the award (2021) is encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The Annual Awards will be decided by a panel drawn from the General Committee, based on completed submissions. (Please see Section E: DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES and Section F: APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES for further information).

k. In the category for the Excellence in Experimental Music assessment of nominations will consider:
- how the nomination questions or extends artistic practice within the Australian repertoire,
- compositional craft or project design,
- creativity or originality,
- excellence or quality in the project’s execution

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

12. Luminary Awards – National Awards (Individual)

Definition:

a. The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals who, through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.

General:

b. Luminary Awards can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual.
- Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album.

c. Nominations for Luminary Awards are made for activities which took place during the five years prior to the award (2017-2021). It understood that many organisations and artists have careers extending over many decades but in the interests of finding common assessable ground for our panels, we ask that your submission focuses on the past 3-5 years of activity only.

d. Winners of National Luminary Awards are not eligible to be nominated for three years following their award.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Name of the Individual along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only submit a single nomination for each category each year.

Submission:

h. An individual may be nominated for both a National Luminary and a single State Luminary Award. In the case of multiple State nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which state they would like to submit in (based on their geographic location during the period in question).

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021)
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination. (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words)

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material, from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021), is strongly encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The National Luminary Awards will be decided by the Luminary Committee, based on completed submissions.

k. Nominations in the Luminary Awards – National (Individual) will be considered on the following basis:
- Sustained contribution over a period of years
- Impact on our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing and high-level artistic practice
- Championing of Australian repertoire.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

13. Luminary Awards – National Awards (Organisation)

Definition:

a. The Luminary Awards seek to honour organisations who through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire.

General:

b. Luminary Awards can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the organisation.
- Nominations for organisations should demonstrate excellence above and beyond the standard remit or mission of that organisation.

c. Nominations for Luminary Awards are made for activities which took place during the five years prior to the award (2017-2021). It understood that many organisations and artists have careers extending over many decades but in the interests of finding common assessable ground for our panels, we ask that your submission focuses on the past 3-5 years of activity only.

d. Winners of National Luminary Awards are not eligible to be nominated for three years following their award.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the name of the organisation along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only submit a single nomination for each category each year.

Submission:

h. An organisation may be nominated for both a National Luminary and a single State Luminary Ward. In the case of multiple State nominations, the nominee will be asked to select which state they would like to submit in (based on their geographic location during the period in question).

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligibles if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021)
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination. (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words)

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material, from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021), is strongly encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The National Luminary Awards will be decided by the Luminary Committee, based on completed submissions.

k. Nominations in the Luminary Awards – National (Organisation) will be considered on the following basis:
- Sustained contribution over a period of years
- Impact on our community on a national scale through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing and high-level artistic practice
- Championing of Australian repertoire.

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

14. Luminary Awards – State & Territory Awards

Definition:

a. The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals and organisations who through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted their communities on a state or territory level through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, and engagement with their Australian art music repertoire.

General:

b. Luminary Awards can be awarded for a range of activities including specific projects, activities, recordings or recording projects, or events undertaken by the individual or organisation.
- Nominations for organisations should demonstrate excellence above and beyond the standard remit or mission of that organisation
- Nominations for individuals should demonstrate a program of activities or a range of projects rather than (for example) the recording and release of a single album.

c. Nominations for Luminary Awards are made for activities which took place during the five years prior to the award (2017-2021). It understood that many organisations and artists have careers extending over many decades but in the interests of finding common assessable ground for our panels, we ask that your submission focuses on the past 3-5 years of activity only.

d. Winners of State & Territory Luminary Awards are not eligible to be nominated for any state & territory award for three years following their award.

Nomination:

e. Self-nomination is not permitted.

f. The nominator must clearly provide the Name of the Organisation along with a short paragraph articulating the reason for nomination.

g. Each nominator can only submit a single nomination for each category each year.

Submission:

h. An individual or organisation may be nominated for both a National Luminary and a single State & Territory Luminary Award. In the case of multiple State & Territory nominations, the nominee will select which state or territory they would like to submit in (based on their location during the period).

i. Submissions will be deemed ineligible if they are not accompanied by appropriate documentation:

– Documentation supporting the nomination and any suitable images of individuals or projects from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021)
– Abstract of up to 500 words presenting the rationale for the nomination. (Include a clear statement quantifying & qualifying outcomes including reach/impact)
– Current biography for the nominee(s) (up to 300 words)

- If using Indigenous content, evidence of consultation with the appropriate communities and permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property
– Audio and/or video support material, from the five years prior to the award (2017-2021), is strongly encouraged.

Assessment:

j. The State & Territory Awards will be decided by the Luminary Committee, based on completed submissions.

k. Nominations in the Luminary Awards – State & Territory – will be considered on the following basis:
- Sustained contribution over a period of years
- Impact on their communities on a state level through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, and engagement with their artistic practice at the highest level.
- Championing of Australian repertoire

l. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

m. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

D. NOMINATION PROCEDURES

1. Submissions will only be accepted online. The online form is located at www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/awards/nomination. Documentation (Word and PDF), scores (in PDF format), sound files (in MP3, AIF and WAV file formats, please keep file size small), and video files, can be uploaded online along with the application form.

2. Each nominator can only submit a single nomination for each category each year. Self-nomination is not permitted in any category.

3. Each nominee can only have a single submission in each category, if multiple nominations are received, the nominee will be contacted by the Australian Music Centre / APRA AMCOS to select which, if any, they would like to proceed with.

4. Each nomination must contain enough material to clearly identify the nominated work, performance, individual or organisation, as well as the reason for nomination. Further submission material is to be provided by the nominee in their submission.

5. Each submission must contain enough supporting material for judges to make an appropriate assessment. Please ensure that support materials are relevant to the awards, and to the category entered. Required support materials can be found under Section C: AWARD INFORMATION & ASSESSMENT CRITERIA. Supporting materials should represent the achievements of the nominee in the appropriate period.

6. Materials submitted with nominations will remain the property of the Australian Music Centre unless otherwise arranged.

Nominations must be received by 5:00pm AEDT on Wednesday 23 March 2022

E. DECISION-MAKING PROCEDURES

1. The Luminary Awards (National and State & Territory) will be decided by the Luminary Committee, based on completed submissions

2. The Annual Awards will be decided by panels from the General Committee, based on completed submissions.

3. On the basis of the recorded and written materials provided by the nominators and nominees, each member of each panel will submit rankings of the works/projects/ensembles nominated in each category which will be collated by the Chair to determine the winner in each category.

4. Each panel or committee will meet by Zoom conference to discuss individual ratings, come to an agreed position, and then ratify the outcomes. Should two nominations be placed equally as winners, the panel or Committee will choose by one vote each. Should the vote be tied the Chair has the casting vote.

5. All Committees may reserve the right not to make an Award in any single or collective category.

6. Decisions reached by the Committee are final, no discussion regarding the result shall be entered into.

F. APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL AND LUMINARY AWARDS COMMITTEES

1. Annual Awards:

a. A General Awards Committee will be appointed by the Board of the Australian Music Centre.

b. From the General Awards Committee there will be a panel for each of the eleven Award categories, with each Committee consisting of at least two specialists from at least two states for each category, and the General Awards Committee Chair.

2. Luminary Awards:
a. A Luminary Awards Committee will be appointed by the Board of the Australian Music Centre.
b. The Luminary Awards Committee, overseen by the Luminary Awards Chair, will have five members, one each from the following regions:

- New South Wales or the Australian Capital Territory

- Victoria or Tasmania

- Queensland

- South Australia or the Northern Territory

- Western Australia

3. All Committees:

a. Both the General and Luminary Awards Committees will be broadly representative of current national new music practices, and the various sectors of the relevant music community, and members will have a high credibility in the music community and the community at large in the Award category they are assessing. The stylistic allegiances of Committee members should be seen collectively to cover a wide range of practices and media.

b. With an aim to represent a complete view of the industry, we are particularly aware of ensuring the panel of experts includes diverse voices across culture, gender, geography, generation, and genre.

c. Committees will be supported by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, appointed by APRA AMCOS’ National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), to consult on any cultural content.

d. Committee members need not necessarily be financial members of the AMC.

e. Committees will have an odd number of members.

f. A Committee may not include any member who is a direct subject of a nomination to it. Should such a situation arise, either the nomination must be withdrawn or the Committee member must resign, and be replaced.

g. Any Committee member with a conflict of interest should declare the conflict and abstain from any discussion or vote pertaining to the nomination from which the conflict arises.

h. The Chair will have a casting vote.

i. Membership of all Committees will be published at the time of the Awards announcements.

j. The membership of the Committee should vary from year to year.

G. INFORMATION, ADVICE AND DISPUTES

For assistance with information, advice, or the resolution of disputes relating to the Awards and the judging panels, contact the Executive of the AMC, who may respond directly or refer the matter to the AMC Board or an independent arbitrator.

H. CONTACT

Australian Music Centre (02) 9935 7805; toll free 1300 651 834

E: [email protected]