Carol Lloyd
Award
A $15,000 Scholarship supporting an emerging female-identifying or gender-diverse singer-songwriter to record an album or record and tour an EP.
#2026 APPLICATIONS ARE closed.
The $15,000 Carol Lloyd Award honours the contribution the late Carol Lloyd made to the Queensland music scene and awards $15,000 to support an emerging female-identifying or gender-diverse singer-songwriter Queensland musicians to record a full-length album or record and tour an EP.
At the 2025 Queensland Music Awards, Dana Gehrman was awarded the coveted prize. Other previous recipients include Platonic Sex, Hope D, Sahara Beck and Leanne Tennant.
The Carol Lloyd Award is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Applications are now closed.
#ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible applicants must:
- be 16 years or older;
- be currently residing in Queensland and have done so for at least two years prior to the due date of application;
- only submit one application each year;
- be female or or gender-diverse identifying;
- be an emerging artist.
#About
The Carol Lloyd Award is a $15,000 grant presented to an emerging female-identifying or gender-diverse singer-songwriter to either record a full-length album or record and tour an EP.
The Carol Lloyd Award honours the contribution the late Carol Lloyd made to the Queensland music scene, including through bands Railroad Gin and Carol Lloyd Band, as well as her support for women to be offered more opportunities and benefits in the very male-dominated industry.
Carol Lloyd made a significant impact on the Australian and international music industry with several number one hits and the first worldwide EMI International publishing contract issued to any artist in Australia. Carol’s songs were published in 27 countries, with her first album, A Matter of Time racing up to number one in three weeks, and her second, Mother was Asleep charting at number one or in the top three in Germany, France, Japan, Holland and Indonesia.
QMusic is the home for the Carol Lloyd Award supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
#Paulina
2026 Recipient
"In the wise words sung by Carol Lloyd, some say it’s a “foolish dream… they don’t know why” I pursue this, but “I just can’t help myself.” I feel incredibly honoured to have people believe in me! As an independent artist, this support means everything as it allows me to continue my pursuit of making great art with much less financial pressure and share it on my debut European and Australian headline tours later this year."
#Previous Winners
Jo Davie
With hauntingly beautiful and evocative storytelling, Jo Davie has captured the attention of audience across Australia, earning praise from triple j and receiving the Carol Lloyd Award at the QMAs.
Platonic Sex
Platonic Sex is the culmination of a folk-heavy upbringing and a coming-of-age soundtracked by Riot Grrrl.
Dana Gehrman
Dana Gehrman's music is an anachronistic nod to the halcyon days of the 70's 'west coast' sound.
The Carol Lloyd Award is presented by QMusic with support of the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
