The Australasian Writers and Art Directors Association’s 45th AWARD Awards will take place virtually and in-person next month at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art, as part of the This Way Up advertising festival of creativity.
The event aims to honour and celebrate the best in creative advertising, with a focus on both the individual and collective achievements within the industry.
On Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August, the non-profit association will host two virtual events to announce this year’s Bronze winners and highlight the campaigns awarded at least a Silver, which have the potential to win Gold.
The Gold and Special Award winners will then be revealed at The Gold Pencil Award Party, a key event on This Way Up’s festival schedule, at the MCA on the evening of Thursday 15 August, starting at 5pm.
“We’re starting earlier this year so that there is a respectful amount of quiet during formalities, after which everyone can kick up their heels and celebrate,” said chair of AWARD, Mandie van der Merwe.
“This is a night dedicated to recognising creative brilliance as well as our community spirit.”
Sydney-based record label Sweat It Out will provide the entertainment, featuring DJs Yolanda Be Cool, KLP, Mel Hall, and Mickey Kojak.
The awards presented will include The Grand Award, Individual Agency of the Year, Agency Network of the Year, Production Company of the Year, Creative Leader/Leadership Team of the Year, Individual Creative or Team of the Year, and Emerging Creative or Team of the Year.
AWARD will also announce AWARD School 2024’s national top student.
The This Way Up three-day festival will take place at the MCA from 13-15 August, featuring a range of talks, workshops, courses, award shows, and more curated for Australia’s creative community.
Confirmed keynote speakers include Chaka Sobhani, Nilesh Ashra, and Wade Kingsley.
See also: Chaka Sobhani, Nilesh Ashra and Wade Kingsley confirmed as keynote speakers for This Way Up