The Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) have just announced the finalists for their inaugural ART Music Awards recognising the achievements of performers and composers in contemporary art music, jazz and experimental music.

CEO of the Australian Music Centre, John Davis said, “The range of activity represented not only by these finalists, but also more broadly in the nominations lodged for the Art Music Awards, is truly astounding, and demonstrates the vibrancy and energy of contemporary Australian creative practice in music and sound.”

“We have great pleasure in congratulating Arts in the Valley on being a finalist in the category of Award for Excellence in a Regional Area for the 2009 Festival in Kangaroo Valley at the 2011 ART Music Awards to be held on Tuesday May 3 at Sydney Theatre, Pier 4, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay”.

The other finalists in that section are

Four Winds Festival: 2010 Festival in Bermagui, NSW.
Hunter Singers: Commissioning and performing Australian Choral Music, NSW.
Tura New Music: 2009/2010 Regional Program, WA.

The Art Music Awards consists of ten national awards and various state Awards across categories covering composition, performance, and outstanding contributions by individuals and organisations in Australian music, music education and regional music.

New awards in 2011 include:
- Jazz Work of the Year (formerly part of the APRA Music Awards program)
- Award for Excellence in Experimental Music