Each year, the nominations window is open from January to March (this year, to March 1st, 2026), for songs released the previous calendar year by artists residing in the Athens, Georgia area.

Last year, some 110 nominations were received for 68 different artists!

Specifically, the songwriter or co-songwriter should reside in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Oconee, Oglethorpe, Madison, or Jackson Co., GA. “Public release” of the song means that it first became available to the public during the Jan.-Dec. 2025 period, for example, by releasing the song on an album; posting the song on YouTube, Facebook, or the artist’s website; releasing on streaming sites; etc.

Nominations (including self nominations) for each year’s awards are accepted through the nomination form.

Nominators are asked to provide contact information for the artist, information on the release, a link to (or upload of) the MP3, and may also upload or link to the song’s lyrics. At the end of the nomination period, nominated artists are contacted to confirm their eligibility and interest in being in the judging pool, including their willingness to perform at the Awards Show if selected as a finalist.

The winner of the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year Award receives $1500 and each finalist receives $250 from the Classic City Rotary Club. Additionally, the winner receives studio recording time from Amplify at Nuci’s Space, a photo shoot from Jason Thrasher, and a promotional package from Team Clermont valued at $5000.