Policies & Governance
The Meridian Awards is built around clear governance, transparent evaluation and respect for artists’ rights. This page brings together the policies, terms and statements that explain how the Awards operate, how Submissions are handled, how Entrants are protected, and how Meridian maintains fairness, integrity and accountability.
Legal & Website Policies
These documents govern use of the Website, privacy, accessibility and general legal information.
Privacy Policy
Explains how Meridian collects, uses, stores and protects Personal Data, including information submitted by Entrants, Website users and those who contact Meridian.
Cookie Policy
Explains how the Website uses cookies and similar technologies, including essential, analytics and marketing tools, and how users can manage their preferences.
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Website Terms and Conditions
Sets out the rules for accessing and using the Website, including acceptable use, intellectual property, third-party links, liability and governing law.
Accessibility Statement
Explains Meridian’s commitment to making its Website and Awards-related information accessible and usable for as many people as reasonably possible.
Awards Governance
These documents govern participation in the Awards and explain the standards, rights and responsibilities that apply to Entrants and Submissions.
Awards Entry Terms and Conditions
The main agreement governing entry into the Awards. It covers eligibility, the entry process, fees, authority to submit, verification, judging, disqualification, awards fulfilment, privacy and legal terms.
Submission Licence Agreement
Explains the limited rights Meridian receives when an Entrant submits work to the Awards. Entrants retain ownership of their work, while Meridian receives only the permissions needed to administer, judge, promote and archive the Awards.
AI Submission Policy
Sets out Meridian’s position on artificial intelligence. The Awards recognise human artistic authorship, and AI-generated music, vocals, lyrics, melodies, arrangements and performances are not eligible.
Judging and Confidentiality Policy
Explains how Submissions are evaluated, how Judges are appointed, how conflicts of interest are managed, how scores are handled, and how confidentiality is protected throughout the judging process.
Entry Rules & Criteria
These documents explain what may be entered, how categories are assessed and what standards apply to each Awards cycle.
Eligibility Rules
Explains who may enter, what types of works are eligible, applicable release windows, entry requirements and any restrictions that apply to the current Awards cycle.
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Category Rules
Provides category-specific requirements, judging criteria and scoring frameworks for each Award category.
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Submission Rules
Explains the practical submission requirements, including accepted file types, required information, upload instructions, technical standards and submission declarations.
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Institutional Principles
These documents explain the values and institutional standards behind the Awards.
The Charter
Sets out Meridian’s founding principles, including its commitment to human artistic evaluation, fairness, independence, transparency and meaningful creative recognition.
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Jury Process
Explains Meridian’s public-facing judging philosophy, including human-led assessment, independent evaluation, category-specific criteria and the rejection of popularity-based judging.
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