The Lighthouse Award is a cash grant to a woman or gender minority in the field of artist management who exhibits passion, creativity and integrity. The grant is open to applicants Australia-wide.
Linda Gebar was one of the few women in music management in the 90s, and worked with The Killjoys, Frente and The Blackeyed Susans. She also booked the Punters Club, worked at PBS FM, had a record label and worked at APRA AMCOS. A truly passionate believer in local music and the community that surrounded it, Linda was a mentor and colleague to many.
Following Linda's tragic death in October 2008 soon after the birth of her second child, this memorial award was established to continue her work, and supports a forward-thinking manager dedicated to Australian music.
The 2020 Lighthouse Award went to Brisbane-based artist manager and event programmer Maggie Collins.
Previous recipients of The Lighthouse Award include Lorrae McKenna, Sabrina Robertson, Charlotte Abroms, Jen Cloher, Bonnie Dalton and Bernadette Ryan.
“To receive The Lighthouse Award at such a time, is so beyond exciting and humbling for me, as it will give me the resources to audit, expand and solidify my leadership skills, and then give it all back to my beloved music community."
— Maggie Collins
Women and gender minority artist managers or self-managed artists who reside in Australia and are aged 18 or over are eligible to apply. You must be able to demonstrate experience as a manager and a commitment to sustaining a career in the music industry.
The funding is intended for professional development, such as business-related travel, education, conference attendance, the purchase of business equipment, or other expenses that support your career in music.
As part of your application, you'll be asked to outline how you would use the grant. The funds are to be spent within 12 months.
In honour of Linda Gebar’s dedication to Australian music and her values of honesty, passion and integrity, the Lighthouse Award will be presented to a manager who can demonstrate:
Complete the online application form with details of your artist management experience, response to selection criteria and a budget outlining how you would spend the grant.
Applications will be reviewed by a peer board comprising music industry professionals and chaired by APRA AMCOS.
This year the cash prize doubled to $10,000 and marked the first time it was open to applicants nationally.
Since founding Our Golden Friend in 2015, Lorrae has helped guide the careers of artists including Jade Imagine, Jess Riberio, Poppongene, RVG and Elizabeth.
Sabrina runs music management and publicity company, Maths & Magic, and is Creative Coordinator at Native Tongue Music Publishing.