Two new categories make SA’s Ruby Awards more inclusive

Two new categories have been added to South Australia’s Ruby Awards, which organisers say will make it “more diverse and more inclusive”.

These come after consultation via survey with key members of South Australia’s arts and cultural sector.

The additions, bringing the number of categories to 12, are:

• Best Festival
• Best Work, Event or Project for Young People

In the inclusivity stakes, the Rubys already have recognition specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, arts workers and arts organisations, and artists and arts workers aged under 35.

Also new for 2018 is Made In Adelaide, recognising outstanding artistic or cultural achievement outside the state by a South Australian individual or organisation.

In other changes, best work and best event are combined, and make up two new categories: Best Work or Event Within a Festival, and Best Work or Event Outside a Festival.

This move is “to provide a more level playing field for smaller productions.”

Submissions have opened for this year’s Awards, its 13th instalment, with the winners announced on Saturday, December 1 at the Queen’s Theatre.

All winners will receive a ruby-coloured glasswork crafted by JamFactory.

The recipient of the Premier’sAaward for lifetime achievement is also honoured with a gold nameplate on a seat at the Adelaide Festival Theatre.

Nominations and the full list of categories here.

Deadline is Monday, September 10.