THE ORAM AWARDS

The Oram Awards is a platform for innovation in sound, music, and related technologies. It is a partnership between UK-based organisations: The Radiophonic Institute, PRS Foundation, and the Daphne Oram Trust, to elevate the work and voices of women and gender minority music creators in electronic music. 

Any individual music creator (or their representative) who meets the criteria below can apply. Others are encouraged to share this opportunity with those that they think are deserving of recognition. 

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 in the workshop, 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.

The positive shift in representation has been welcomed in recent times, yet it is still not a level playing field for women innovating in sound and music. While it would be preferred for a women-only award not to be necessary, for the immediate future, The Oram Awards will continue to be open to women and gender minority artists: in recognition of Daphne Oram as a pioneer and an inspiring role model to other women who are currently under-represented in electronic music.

2022 sees the sixth edition of the Oram Awards. The awards have gained increasing acclaim across the UK in the last five years, building a solid brand media profile, amassing a cohort of 32 winners, and developing a mentorship programme for our winners. 

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​There is only one category: innovation in sound, music and associated technologies.

Music and sound creators will need to meet the following criteria: 

• 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 bursary for future creative and professional development. 

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The Awards

• 2 of the winners will receive special commendations and development bursaries of £1,500

• 4 winners receive development bursaries of £500 

• All 6 winners will have access to The Oram Awards Mentoring Program 

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The Oram Awards Alumni 2017 - 2021

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2021

Magz Hall, Vivienne Griffin, Lia Mice, Lou Barnell, Maria Sappho, Venus Ex Machina.

Online awards event in partnership with Brimingham based experimental festival Supersonic

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2020

Loula Yorke, Nicole Raymond (NikNak), Poulomi Desai, Una Lee, Vicky Clarke & Yifeat Ziv. Due to Covid the live ceremony was replaced with an evening of exclusive sets on SonitusLIVE/Twitch digital platform. 

2019

Nwando Ebizie, Ain Bailey, CHAINES, Natalie Sharp, Steph Horak and Andie Brown with a  presentation ceremony at Kings Place, London as part of Venus Unwrapped Festival. 

2018

Georgia Rodgers, Loraine James, Francine Perry, Hannah Jones and Aja Ireland with the presentation ceremony taking place at BlueDot Festival at Jodrell Bank Telescope, Cheshire.

2017

Ewa Justka, Klein, Claire M Singer, Elvin Brandhi, Kathy Hinde, Mary Stark, Sally Golding and Shelly Knots picking up awards at the inaugural event at Turner Contemporary, Margate.  

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