PRS Foundation have joined with The New BBC Radiophonic Workshop to launch the inaugural Oram Awards.
Named after founding member of the original BBC Radiophonic Workshop Daphne Oram, this new award aims to recognise talented female music creators innovating in music, sound and technology – building on her innovating legacy and celebrating the next generation of forward-thinking women.
The event takes place on June 3rd at the turner Contemporary Margate as part of Canterbury Christchurch University’s Oscillate festival, with the judging panel for the awards including the likes of singer Roisin Murphy, mastering engineer Many Parnell and representatives from The New BBC Radiophonic Workshop, PRS Foundation and The Daphne Oram Foundation.
The award will see two winners receiving special commendations and PRS Foundation talent development bursaries of £1,000 each, and six winners each receiving talent development bursaries of £500 from PRS Foundation. Whilst there are many women innovating in the world of music, their voices often struggle to be represented or heard, and this award aims to change that.
Matthew Herbert, Creative Director of The New Radiophonic Workshop, says: “One of the best aspects of the original workshop was the opportunity it gave to women in a field traditionally dominated by men. In 2017, it's frankly embarrassing to say that it's still a battle that needs to be fought. These awards and this initiative is hopefully one way for us to find the next generation of innovators out there and give them not only support but also an outlet for their work and ideas.”
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of PRS Foundation, adds: “The Oram Awards are a fantastic way to put a spotlight on the next generation of talented female music and sound innovators in the UK today whilst also recognising the important legacy of Daphne Oram. I’m very much looking forward to discovering the work of the shortlisted music creators and the impact our talent development bursaries will have on their careers.”
The Oram Awards take place on June 3rd.
Words: James Musker
