Launch of Limelight music support fund by Perth's RAC Arena and West Australian Music

As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, RAC Arena has this week launched Limelight, a music support fund presented by the venue and supported by West Australian Music (WAM).

Announcing thar the initiative will seek to support local musicians by providing financial, performance and promotional opportunities over a 12-month period, RAC Arena General Manager, Michael Scott stated “it’s one of ASM Global’s core values that we give back to the communities in which our venues operate in.

“Our hope for the Limelight program is to foster growth and development in the already vibrant music scene in WA.”

Speaking on behalf of WAM, Strategic Relationships and Development Manager, Georgia Kennedy added “artists across the country are feeling the pinch, with audiences tightening their belts and remaining cautious about their spending and new wave COVID exposure. Artists in WA are no different.

“At times like these, a program like Limelight is a welcome tonic and WAM is proud to support RAC Arena in this great initiative, which will provide multiple benefits to a stand-out West Australian emerging or early career artist.”

The Limelight program will shine a light on Western Australia’s emerging musical talent with a support package including:

•  $5,000 financial assistance

•  $2,500 music equipment thanks to Mega Music and Yamaha

•  Inclusion in the WAMFest 2023 line-up

•  Paid performance opportunities on RAC Arena’s Live Stage

•  Promotional support via RAC Arena’s marketing channels

One West Australian upcoming musical act will be chosen by a judging panel made up of local and interstate industry professionals.

Joining Scott on the panel will be musician and WAM board member, Alexia Parenzee, as well as triple j music programmer and producer Tanya Bunter, artist manager Murray Curnow from Hat management agency, and Sounds Australia’s digital export producer, Dom Alessio.

Applications are invited from new and emerging performers who are residents of Western Australia and aged 18 or older. Applications will need to include an outline of an activity the act would like to undertake throughout the year and demonstrate how they plan to use the support fund package, including the expected outcomes to their career as a result.

To enter, people must submit an application form via the RAC Arena website and include an introduction and performance video. Applications open 5pm AWST on Wednesday 16th November, and close 5pm AWST on Wednesday 30th November 2022.

The prize period runs from Sunday 1st January 2023 until Sunday 31st December 2023.

The winner will be announced Friday 16th December 2022.

Click here for more information.