They took place on Saturday 28th August 2010 at the Darwin Amphitheatre, George Brown Botanical Gardens, Darwin, Northern Territory.

Music NT called upon anyone working in the NATIONAL music industry to participate in the nomination process for the 2010 Indigenous Music Awards. Nominations closed July 16, 2010.

DOWNLOAD A NOMINATION FORM.

Jessica Mauboy performs at the 2009 IMAs, winner of awards 'Song' & 'Album of the Year.

The 2010 award categories are:
*            Act of the Year
*            Album of the Year
*            Emerging Act of the Year
*            Song of the Year
*            DVD/Film Clip of the Year
*            Artwork & Design of the Year
*            School Band of the Year
*            Traditional Music Award
*            Hall of Fame

The rich and remote musical landscape of the NT is home to hundreds of bands, and the Indigenous Music Awards bring together local acts who have yet to make their mark on the world, alongside top Territorians who have achieved international acclaim – all in the presence of key industry professionals and national media. These awards continue to surprise with the breadth and depth of talent.

Now in its 7th year in 2010, the IMAs pave the way for new recording, touring and promotional opportunities for a number of NT artists, playing a significant role in the development of careers for Indigenous artists.

Music NT Manager Mark Smith sees the event as one of the most important in Australian music. “These awards are an important platform to increase understanding and awareness of contemporary and traditional Aboriginal music and culture. There is benefit for all Territorians, as we strive to achieve economic independence for musicians, as well as a flow-on effect of tourism, in a region of Australia which has the highest population percentage of practitioners and music production in the country.”

Held under the stars at Darwin’s historic Amphitheatre, audiences from all over Australia will gather at the Indigenous Music Awards ceremony to applaud the winners, enjoy performances and soak up the ambiance of a night for music lovers of all ages and cultures.

Gurrumul performs with his daughter at the 2009 IMAs. Winner, 'Act of the Year'.

2009 award-winner and headline act Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu (above), surprised the crowd last year, inviting many of his family members up on stage to sing alongside him as he performed his closing song. It is rare moments like these that make this special, family-focused event a not-to-be-missed night of Darwin’s August calendar.

More details about the 2010 IMAs here.