Presented annually by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, the Art Music Awards acknowledge the achievements of composers, performers and educators in the genres of contemporary classical music, jazz, improvisation, sound art and experimental practices.
The Art Music Awards consists of eleven awards (for works, performances, and excellence in education, regional areas, and experimental practices), 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 Awards
For single Australian composition first presented to the public in the year prior to the award. Awarded in the following categories:
Choral
Accompanied or unaccompanied works for massed voices (more than 1 singer per part).
Chamber Music
Works for between 1 and 12 players, with or without vocal parts, and with or without electronics.
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.
Dramatic
Music primarily intended for theatre and dance, such as opera, music theatre and ballet.
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.
Jazz
Original Jazz works of any instrumentation, including improvisatory composition.
Performance of the Year Awards
For the performance of a single Australian work in the year prior to the award. Awarded in the following categories:
Notated Composition
Showcasing the performers’ success in revealing the nature and intention of a composition with clear notated instructions for the performer.
Jazz / Improvised Music
Showcasing the performers’ success in improvisatory creation or collaboration. This may entail entirely improvised work or significant improvisatory input such as solo passages.
Excellence Awards
For activity in the year prior to the award. Awarded in the following categories:
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.
Excellence in a Regional Area
For activity undertaken in a regional area, utilising Australian repertoire to create a positive impact for the local community.
Excellence in Experimental Practice
For works, people or events that interrogate, extend, or challenge standard artistic practice within the Australian repertoire.
Luminary Awards
The Luminary Awards seek to honour individuals and organisations who through sustained contribution (demonstrated over a period 3-5 years prior), have impacted our community through visionary leadership, fearless trailblazing, high-level artistic practice, and championing of Australian repertoire. Awarded in the following categories:
National (Individual)
National (Organisation)
State/Territory