Submissions are now open for women-identifying or non-binary artist managers to apply for the $5,000 grant.
The esteemed Lighthouse Award, established in honour of the late pioneering artist manager Linda Gebar, is back in 2024, inviting submissions from women-identifying or non-binary artist managers across the nation. This coveted award, offering a generous $5,000 grant, seeks individuals who embody passion, creativity, and integrity in their management roles.
Submissions are now open and will remain so until Tuesday 16 April at 5 pm (AEST).
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Linda Gebar, a trailblazer in artist management during the 90s, tragically passed away in October 2008 shortly after welcoming her second child. Her impactful work included collaborations with prominent acts such as The Killjoys, Frente, and The Blackeyed Susans, alongside contributions to venues like the Punters Club and broadcasting at PBS FM. Linda’s profound dedication to local music and community building continues to inspire, making this memorial award a fitting tribute to her legacy.
Past recipients of The Lighthouse Award include industry stalwarts like Jen Cloher, Bonnie Dalton, and Charlotte Abroms, Lorrae McKenna, Maggie Collins, Kristy Gostelow, Simone Ubaldi and more. Simone Ubaldi, manager of the internationally acclaimed Amyl and The Sniffers, and a 2023 recipient, shared her gratitude, highlighting how the grant facilitated business expansion and allowed for strategic focus on artist development.
“The Lighthouse Award allowed me to expand my business by helping to fund a part-time assistant. I was able to clear a lot of administrative work off of my desk to focus on strategy development for my artists, while at the same time training another enthusiastic woman in some of the fundamentals of music management. It has been a blessing and a relief over the last twelve months.”
Karen Don, Head of Membership at APRA AMCOS, praised the vital role played by music managers, describing them as the unsung heroes of the industry. Don emphasised the award’s significance in recognising and empowering women and gender-diverse individuals within the music sector, a sentiment echoed by APRA AMCOS’ commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing gender disparities.
Eligibility criteria and application details can be found on the award’s official website. Aspiring artist managers are encouraged to seize this opportunity to further their careers and honour Linda Gebar’s enduring legacy.
Applications close 16 April 2024, and the recipient will be announced at the Association of Artist Managers Awards on 1 May. Apply here.
