WAM was originally formed as the West Australian Rock Music Industry Association Inc. (WARMIA) in 1985, with its main aim to develop and run annual awards recognizing achievements within the WA Music Industry. WAM first received project funding from the state government in 1989, and in the early 90s the word ‘rock’ was dropped from the title to give the organisation scope to take on a broader constituency. In 1994 the inaugural WAMi festival was held. In 2002 WAM developed a comprehensive business plan (relating to the periode 03 - 05) and as a result became an agency funded on a triennial basis through the Department of Culture and the Arts (formerly ArtsWA).
In 2005 WAM is recognised nationally as the leader in developing and promoting local music as a state-branded product. This reputation has arisen through the delivery of a number of strategies over the past fifteen years. The annual Kiss My WAMi promotional CD is widely recognised as one of the best in Australia. The WAMi Festival has a truly national profile. The WAM website is a reference point for the Australian industry. The WAM Song of the Year is the most highly regarded songwriting competition in Australia. WAM has led the way in international representation, in particular at South by Southwest (Austin, Texas).
The local industry at all levels is beginning to truly recognise the value of WAM.
WAM was originally formed as the West Australian Rock Music Industry Association Inc. (WARMIA) in 1985, with its main aim to develop and run annual awards recognizing achievements within the WA Music Industry. WAM first received project funding from the state government in 1989, and in the early 90s the word ‘rock’ was dropped from the title to give the organisation scope to take on a broader constituency. In 1994 the inaugural WAMi festival was held. In 2002 WAM developed a comprehensive business plan (relating to the periode 03 - 05) and as a result became an agency funded on a triennial basis through the Department of Culture and the Arts (formerly ArtsWA).
In 2005 WAM is recognised nationally as the leader in developing and promoting local music as a state-branded product. This reputation has arisen through the delivery of a number of strategies over the past fifteen years. The annual Kiss My WAMi promotional CD is widely recognised as one of the best in Australia. The WAMi Festival has a truly national profile. The WAM website is a reference point for the Australian industry. The WAM Song of the Year is the most highly regarded songwriting competition in Australia. WAM has led the way in international representation, in particular at South by Southwest (Austin, Texas).
The local industry at all levels is beginning to truly recognise the value of WAM.