2026 AIR AWARDS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED!
Thanks to the continued support from the South Australian Government’s Music Development Office, AIR is thrilled to return to Australia’s UNESCO designated City of Music to celebrate its 20th AIR Awards.
The AIR Awards recognise, promote, and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector. Hundreds of talented Australian independent artists have been recognised over the past 20 years including Gotye, Paul Kelly, Hilltop Hoods, A.B Original, The Temper Trap, Dan Sultan, Emily Wurramara, Emma Donovan, Parkway Drive, Amyl and the Sniffers, Dom Dolla, The Amity Affliction, Genesis Owusu, Courtney Barnett, Fanny Lumsden, Flume, G Flip, King Stingray, Violent Soho, Vance Joy, PNAU, DZ Deathrays, The Jungle Giants, Methyl Ethel, Tones and I, Gordi, Polaris, Josh Pyke, Cub Sport, Northlane, and Alice Ivy. The 2026 AIR Awards will be held at the Adelaide Town Hall on Thursday 30th July as an invite only industry event.
AIR’s Indie-Con Australia Conference and A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition will be held at Mercury Cinema and Nexus Arts from the 29th - 31st of July. Early bird tickets are on sale and can be purchased HERE.
Minister for Arts Kyam Maher MLC said: ‘The South Australian Government is proud to support Indie‑Con Australia and the AIR Awards, and to welcome nominees, industry leaders and delegates from across Australia and around the world to South Australia.’
‘Hosting this celebration in Adelaide – Australia’s only UNESCO City of Music – alongside A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition reinforces South Australia’s role as a national and international leader in the independent music sector.’
‘Together, these events recognise the outstanding contribution of independent artists and music businesses, while delivering opportunities for creative collaboration, industry development and global engagement that strengthen South Australia’s creative economy.’
