The Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA) is set to return for its 17th edition on 31 October at the Taipei Music Center, with applications now open for all award categories — including its regional-facing Best Asian Creative Artist Award.
Organised by Taiwan's Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development under the Ministry of Culture, GIMA has grown into one of Asia's most prominent government-supported platforms celebrating independent music, creative freedom, and genre innovation.
Since introducing the Best Asian Creative Artist Award in 2020, the ceremony has expanded its reach beyond Taiwan, spotlighting emerging and established artists from across the region. Previous nominees and winners have included South Korean indie favourites Silica Gel, Indonesian alternative rock band .Feast, Japan's Age Factory and ATARASHII GAKKO!, as well as Indonesian rapper Rich Brian.
Over the years, GIMA has also become known for its cross-border collaborations and performances. At the 2025 ceremony, Thai rapper AUTTA joined Taiwanese indie outfit The Chairs for a special Thailand-Taiwan collaboration, while Silica Gel appeared as both performers and presenters.
For the 2026 edition, Asian music creators with albums or EPs released between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026 are eligible to apply for the Best Asian Creative Artist Award. The category is open to all Asian artists and groups of non-Taiwanese nationality, reflecting GIMA's continued efforts to foster connections across Asia's independent music community. Applications will be accepted online from 1 June to 1 July.
For full submission guidelines and application details, visit GIMA's official submission portal. Fans and artists can also follow the awards on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube for updates.
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