Author: Kate Crudgington

Calling all women, girls and gender minority artists who create innovative music, or who are involved in sound and related technologies! The Oram Awards are accepting applications & nominations for their 2020 ceremony. Information about the awards, the prizes (inc. development bursaries from PRS Foundation) and how to apply or nominate another artist are below. You have until Friday 14th August to get your submissions in. Good luck!

Info & Background on The Oram Awards

For the first time, applications for the 4th annual Oram Awards for innovation in sound, music and related technologies are now open to the general public. Six winners will receive development bursaries from PRS Foundation. Any music creator who meets the criteria, or their representative, can now apply.

Named after Daphne Oram, one of the founding members of the original BBC Radiophonic Workshop, the awards aim to build on her legacy. Along with other women of the workshop, including Delia Derbyshire, Glynis Jones, Jenyth Worsley, Maddalena Fagandini and Elizabeth Parker, Oram played a vital role in establishing women at the forefront of innovation in newly-emerging audio technologies not only in the UK but around the world.

Whilst there are many women innovating in sound and music, their work and their voices often struggle to be heard. The Oram Awards will be open to women, girls and gender minorities in recognition of Daphne Oram’s pioneering status as an inspiring role model to other women who are currently under represented in electronic music.

Application criteria & prize information

The Oram Awards are open to women, girls and gender minorities of all ages from 11 years upwards. There is only one category: innovation in sound, music and associated technologies. This year there will be 6 winners and the ceremony will take place in November (date to be confirmed). 2 of the winners will receive special commendations and development bursaries of £1,500. 4 winners receive development bursaries of £500 from PRS Foundation.

The Oram Awards are looking for music and sound creators who:

– are based in the United Kingdom
– create high quality original new music and sound;
– innovate in sound, music and associated technologies;
– through their work have demonstrated that they are deserving of increased recognition;
– are ready for this opportunity and will use the PRS Foundation bursary for future creative and professional development.

PRS Foundation retains the right not to invite submissions from nominees who are already receiving significant funding from another PRS Foundation programme such as the PPL Momentum Fund, The Composers’ Fund or New Music Biennial.

The applications for this year’s awards are open to the public until Friday 14th August. The winners will be announced on 1st November.

Click here to apply or nominate!