AWMA’s founder Vicki Gordon selected as nominee for AFR Women of Influence Awards
Vicki Gordon, the mastermind behind the Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMAs), has been nominated for the prestigious Australian Financial Review Women of Influence Awards. This recognition celebrates women who have made significant impacts in various fields, including business, academia, science, climate activism, media, and sports, with Gordon being the only music executive nominated this year.
Gordon’s nomination not only highlights her pivotal role as the director and creative producer of the AWMAs, which debuted in the previous year but also acknowledges her longstanding commitment to promoting cultural and gender diversity, particularly among First Nation artists. Her journey began in the early ’90s when she established the Australian Women’s Rock Institute, the nation’s first of its kind, with the aim of empowering women in the music industry. Despite operating on a shoestring budget, the institute garnered substantial support from industry professionals, both male and female, dedicated to advancing the status of women.
Under Gordon’s leadership, the institute organized groundbreaking events such as Australia’s inaugural Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander women’s contemporary music festival, the first all-girl rock festival, and a pioneering training program for female DJs. She also managed acclaimed singer-songwriters like Brenda Webb, Emma Donovan, and Ursula Yovich, overseeing various successful projects that garnered critical acclaim and global recognition.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the ’90s regarding gender and diversity, Gordon notes that the industry barely acknowledged these issues, relegating them to mere tokenism. However, she observes a positive shift in recent years, with more significant engagement and dialogue on these important topics within the music landscape. The inaugural AWMAs, held in Brisbane with the backing of the Queensland government, witnessed a substantial increase in nominations from its inception, signaling its immediate impact and the industry’s embrace of diversity and inclusivity.
Gordon stresses the significance of her nomination amid ongoing funding cuts affecting small to medium arts organizations, emphasizing the need for greater support from governmental bodies. She views the AFR Women of Influence Awards as a platform to spotlight women in music and the broader industry, amplifying their voices and contributions. With the event’s impact evident in initiatives like ARIA diversifying its board and increased industry dialogue on diversity, Gordon remains optimistic about the future trajectory of women in music.
As the final nominations for this year’s AFR Women of Influence Awards are set to be announced shortly, Gordon’s nomination stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to advocating for gender equality and cultural diversity within the music realm. Her pioneering efforts continue to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry, championing the talents and contributions of women across various echelons of the music sector.