Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2026 Open Call
The Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA) invites independent artists worldwide to submit across all categories before the June 15, 2026 deadline.
The Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA) has issued a global call for entries, inviting independent artists from around the world to submit their work before the June 15, 2026 deadline. Now in its annual run, the event has built a reputation as a serious platform for independent music, recognizing not only emerging talent but the entire ecosystem behind it.
HIMA casts a wide net across all categories, honoring songwriters, composers, performers, labels and audio professionals alike. The awards aim to reflect the full spectrum of creativity driving today's independent music landscape, at a moment when independent artists are increasingly setting trends, building audiences on their own terms and demanding recognition that matches their impact.
The ceremony will take over The Avalon in Hollywood on July 30, 2026, with a full evening that includes media check-in, red carpet arrivals, the main ceremony and an official afterparty. Organizers position the night as a GRAMMY-style event for independent artists, one that mirrors the prestige of legacy award shows while keeping its focus squarely on independence. Past supporters quoted around the event include Emmy-winning music supervisor Nora Felder, GRAMMY-winning producer Val Garay, platinum songwriter Shelly Peiken and composer Starr Parodi, who has described the awards as a gathering place for connection and community among creatives.
For artists, the event is framed as being about more than trophies: visibility, networking and being part of a growing movement reshaping the industry from the ground up. Submissions are open across all categories now, but entries close on June 15, 2026. Main event tickets go on sale June 22, though the deadline that matters for creators is the submission cutoff, since entry is required to be considered for any award.
Independent artists in any genre and from any country are encouraged to enter. Those interested should prepare their materials and submit through the official Hollywood Independent Music Awards entry page before the June 15 deadline.
Related open calls
Call for Artists: North Tahoe Regional Park Public Art
A call to artists for a permanent, large-scale outdoor artwork in the North Tahoe Regional Park gathering space, with a $75,000 budget. Deadline July 31.
The North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD), in partnership with the North Tahoe Community Alliance, the Tahoe Fund, North Tahoe Arts, and the Arts Council of Placer County, has announced a Call t...
Call for Artists: North Tahoe Utility Box Art Project
Artists are invited to transform utility boxes in Tahoe City and Kings Beach into public artworks. Open to all experience levels. Deadline July 6.
Artists are invited to apply for the North Tahoe Utility Box Art Project, a new public art initiative that will transform utility boxes in Tahoe City and Kings Beach, California, into vibrant works of...
Open Call: GenP Illustration Contest for Young Artists
Italy’s GenP award includes a contest for artists under 35 to create an illustration on youth participation, with a 2,000 euro prize. Deadline Sept 13.
GenP – Giovani che partecipano (Young people who participate) returns for its second edition, an award promoted by Acri, the association of Italian banking-origin foundations, dedicated to third-secto...