The Oram Awards 2020 open for applications

• Fourth annual award presentation to recognise talented women, girls and gender minority music creators innovating in music, sound and related technologies
• Any music creator who meets the criteria, or their representative, can now apply.
• Six winners will receive development bursaries from PRS Foundation

For the first time, applications for the 4th annual Oram Awards for innovation in sound, music and related technologies will open to the general public from Monday 22nd June 2020. 

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.

The Oram Awards are targeted at the next generation of innovative women, girls and gender minorities in music and sound and is 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.

The applications for this year’s awards are open to the public from Monday 22nd June until Friday 31st July 2020. The winners will be announced on 1st November. 

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.

Matthew Herbert, Director of The New Radiophonic Workshop, says

This year I am particularly thrilled that we are opening the nominations process to the wider public. Our ambition was always to find people outside of the usual channels and I’m excited that we can hopefully help find and support musicians and artists outside of the more conventional structures.

Becci Scotcher, Senior Grants & Programmes Manager of PRS Foundation, says

“We’re incredibly excited to be announcing the fourth year of the Oram Awards and, for the very first time, encouraging eligible music creators to apply directly for consideration. We’re looking forward to seeing who will apply over the coming weeks and hearing the work of exceptional and innovative music creators pushing the boundaries of music and sound in the UK right now.”

Find out more about The Oram Awards and apply