The awards, presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association and the Australian Music Centre, were held at the National Institute for Dramatic Art last night and were hosted by James Morrison. They recognise achievement in the composition, performance, education and presentation of Australian music.

The awards, held at the National Institute for Dramatic Art last night and hosted by James Morrison, recognise achievement in the composition, performance, education and presentation of Australian music.

Australia Council Chair Rupert Myer AM attended last night’s awards ceremony and presented several awards with the Minister for the Arts, the Hon Tony Burke.Mr Myer said the Art Music Awards were an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements in music over the past year of individuals and organisations, in education and in regional Australia.

The awards recognise the great service of these works to Australian music over the year across a number of categories, Mr Myer said.It was wonderful to join in the celebrations and hear live performances from Robin Fox, Sandy Evans and Nexus Quartet, James Morrison, Jonathon Dreyfus and William and Harry Morrison and The Black Arm Band.

Composer George Dreyfus was also a deserving recipient of the Award for Distinguished Services to Australian Music. What an honour it was to represent the Australia Council, which plays a significant role in the music sector, not just in funding but also in policy and advocacy.On behalf of the Australia Council, Chief Executive Officer Tony Grybowski congratulated both those nominated and the winners.

The Art Music Awards celebrate and acknowledge the fantastic contribution of Australian artists and arts organisations in Australian music, music education, experimental music, jazz and regional music, Mr Grybowski said.The quality, breadth and diversity of the work of those nominated was impressive, and we are proud to have supported many of the artists and arts organisations over time.

The Australia Council supports composers, musicians and organisations to create new music and present it to audiences through a number of grants.The grant programs aim to reflect and promote the diversity, excellence and energy of contemporary Australian musical culture.

Applications are now open for a number of opportunities, including Project Fellowships, New Work and the Contemporary Music Touring Initiative. For more information go to https://creative.gov.au/artforms/music

For the complete list of Art Music Award winners, go to https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/awards/