Artist Relief Fund WA is proud to announce the theatre, dance and production nominations for the 2020 Performing Arts WA Awards.
Set to celebrate the achievements of the local professional arts sector, this annual event – a touchstone of the performing arts calendar – will be held online in a special digital ceremony.
“At a time when artists have seen their jobs vanish and scores of companies lose funding, it’s more important than ever to celebrate our sector,” says Nick Maclaine, the Artist Relief Fund’s secretary.
“People need the arts in times like these and in all times,” he says. “Sharing stories is one of the most precious forms of work there is, and we’re going to honour our storytellers and workers.”
The ‘PAWA Awards’ as they have affectionately come to be known, includes 21 categories and 98 nominations from works presented in 2019. Some of the categories are best actor, best dancer, best newcomer, best independent production, and best design across a wide range of mediums.
Multiple category nominees include actors Charlotte Otton for Feminah (The Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights) and Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa for Fully Sikh (Barking Gecko Theatre & Black Swan State Theatre Company). Productions Lé Nør [the rain] from The Last Great Hunt and Wonder Woman created by dancer Laura Boynes, also received multiple nominations across categories.
In line with social distancing, this year’s ceremony will take place online through live and pre-recorded video.
“Our volunteer judges are stepping up to help create a digital ceremony that’s joyful, participatory and inclusive,” says Nick Maclaine. “I really think it will be the next best thing to being there.”
The 2020 Performing Arts WA Awards ceremony presented by Artist Relief Fund WA will be held online on Saturday, 2 May 2020. More details will be revealed soon.
Ends. MEDIA CONTACT For all media enquiries, please contact: Rachel Davison, GM Consulting 0412 564 062 | rdavison@georgiamalone.com.au Download photos of nominees here