The Oram Awards will return in November this year to recognise female, trans and non-binary innovators in sound, music and related technologies. Entries are open now.
A partnership with the PRS Foundation and Radiophonic Institute, the awards are named after Daphne Oram, one of the founding members of the original BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Originally focussed on celebrating women in music, the event has more recently been opened up to trans and non-binary artists too, aiming to improve representation in the electronic music community.
Two winners receive special commendations and development bursaries of £1500 from the PRS Foundation, while four others receive bursaries of £500. All six are also granted access to the Oram Awards Mentoring Programme.
Last year’s winners were Magz Hall, Vivienne Griffin, Lia Mice, Lou Barnell, Maria Sappho and Venus Ex Machina, and were announced during an online event in partnership with Birmingham-based experimental festival Supersonic. This year the presentation of the awards will return to being an in-person event, taking place at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.
The last year has been “hugely successful” for the awards, says Lead Producer Karen Sutton, who notes how “another six outstanding women and non-binary artists” were added to “the growing community of winners”.
“Our partnership with Supersonic Festival, Birmingham, for the 2021 online awards event and podcast has been brilliant”, she goes on. “It was such a breath of fresh air working with such an organised and committed team who really understand the aims and ambitions of The Oram Awards and the artists we support. 2022 is shaping up to be another busy year ahead and excited to bring The Orams to Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in November 2022”.
To be eligible for consideration, entrants must be over eighteen; female, trans or non-binary; create high quality original new music and sound; innovate in sound, music and associated technologies; and have demonstrated that they are “deserving of increased recognition”.
If that sounds like you or someone you know, applications are now open until 15 Aug. Find out more and apply here.