Music Victoria Awards Unveils ‘Long Overdue’ New Category

Music Victoria Awards will introduce a new category in 2021 that will “shine a light on and recognise the contributions” made by Deaf and Disabled musicians over the past 12 months.

Announced today, the “long overdue” inaugural Arts Access Victoria Amplify Award will see a local muso win $3000 cash from Arts Access Victoria and a rehearsal package from Bakehouse Studios. 

“The Amplify Award has emerged out of recent engagement between the disabled music community and Music Victoria and responds directly to an identified need,” Arts Access Victoria CEO Caroline Bowditch said. 

“We are delighted to back Music Victoria’s leadership in this space, and to come on board as a financial sponsor. We can’t wait to be bowled over with submissions.”  

Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel added: “I simply don’t have the knowledge of who is active out there, and this is something that I am desperately wanting to change. 

“I look forward to not just finding and rewarding a winner but seeing who this process uncovers and encourages.

“The Amplify Award by no way excludes Deaf and Disabled musicians from applying in all our other Award categories, but it does recognise the significant and very real barriers that they face in our industry.”

Assessed by a peer panel of judges, Arts Access Victoria Amplify Award entries will remain open until 11:59pm on August 20, before shortlisted nominees are revealed on September 3, ahead of the 2021 Music Victoria Awards at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

For a full list of eligibility criteria and more details on how to enter, head to the Music Victoria website.