On a big news day for the Association of Artist Managers (AAM), the peak body is happy to reveal the winners of the inaugural AAM Awards. Announced at a members-only event in Melbourne today, the AAM celebrated the achievements of the winners in each category, as well as Correne Wilkie, the Legacy Award winner and its Patrons.
Check out the winners below:
BREAKTHROUGH MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Recognising the achievement of a developing manager who has had a breakout year with notable successes for their artist(s).
Ellen Kirk – Look Out Kid | WINNER
Summer King – Topic Artists
Uda Widanapathirana – su:ky:ya
Ruby-Jean McCabe – Riot House
Vyvienne Abla – Vyva Entertainment
MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Recognising outstanding achievements as an artist manager with 3+ years experience
Simone Ubaldi and Andrew Parisi – Sundowner | WINNER
Nick O’Byrne – Look Out Kid
Jodie Regan – Spinning Top
Andrew Klippel – Ourness Music Management
Danny Robson – Leisurely Management
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Recognising a manager’s contribution to their community
Cath Haridy – Catherine Haridy Management | WINNER
Larissa Ryan – Hutch Collective
Tom Larkin – Tiny Triumphs
Kerry Kennell – Kennell & Co
Jane Slingo – Young Strangers
Leigh Treweek – Handshake Management
LEGACY AWARD WINNER
For managers with 10+ years experience – In recognition of an incredible career in artist management
Correne Wilkie | WINNER
The AAM are also thrilled to announce their first international professional development program for 2022, Music Passport: New York and Los Angeles.
In June, the AAM will lead this Export Market Development Trip to New York (June 12-19) and Los Angeles (June 19 – 25). Music Passport serves as a comprehensive research mission, enabling two early-mid career managers to create pathways and build professional networks in the North American market, on behalf of themselves and their artists, before significant investment is made in US touring or release set-up.
Guided by senior Australian manager Jess Keeley, the selected managers will travel to New York and Los Angeles, attending A2IM Indie Week, the Libera Awards and Sounds Australia’s Aussie BBQ SummerStage, as well as undertaking self-directed activities including meetings, attendance at industry events and other networking activities. Upon return to Australia, participants will be part of a virtual panel and Q&A presentation with the AAM membership and program partners, sharing their experiences and findings, providing a valuable opportunity for information exchange.
Program funding will cover the cost of flights, accommodation, per diems and conference tickets / event access to Indie Week, Libera Awards and Summerstage. Participants will also receive a $500 bursary. This program is delivered thanks to the generous support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Creative Victoria and Sounds Australia. This program follows on from the successful 2019 pilot Music Passport program, also delivered with support from Creative Victoria.
Applications are now OPEN, and will close on Thursday 12 May at 11:59 AEST – AAM members only can apply.
For further information on this program, eligibility and criteria, and to apply, visit www.aam.org.au/musicpassport2022