If you make music in Western Australia and you’re 18 or older, you have until 8 am AWST on Monday, 16 November to apply for Limelight, RAC Arena’s WA-only support fund. Applications opened on 2 November, and the fund is now in its fifth consecutive year.
RAC Arena presents Limelight with the support of West Australian Music (WAM). It backs one winning act and two runners-up with financial, performance and promotional opportunities across the year. The winner will be announced in early December 2026.
What the winner gets
The main package is worth more than $30,500 and includes:
- $5,000 in financial assistance and promotional support via RAC Arena.
- A live performance slot at Telethon 2027.
- A PR and music distribution package from G.Y.R.O.
- A social media content production package from Birdhouse Media.
- A radio campaign from Nova Entertainment.
- Recording studio time and rehearsal space at Vision Studios.
- A spot in the 2027 WAM Showcase line-up and a weekend pass to WAMCon 2027, both from WAM.
The two runners-up each receive financial and promotional support valued at $3,000.
How to apply
Applicants need to outline their goals for 2027 and explain how the fund would help them reach those goals. Applications go through the RAC Arena website.
A panel of industry professionals will choose the winners: RAC Arena General Manager Michael Scott, WAM CEO Owen Whittle, TEG Touring promoter Steph Wong, The Sunday Times Magazine editor Nathanael Cooper, and RTRFM producer and presenter Pamela Boland.
Who has won before
Limelight launched in 2022 as part of the arena’s 10th anniversary celebrations. Boox Kid, Elianie, Ghostcare, Alter Boy, Angie Colman, Riley Pearce, Those Who Dream, Anna Schneider, GIA COMO and The Kickons have all received support.
Last year’s major prize winner, electronic indie-pop artist Boox Kid (Jarred Wall), used the grant to help release his debut album Kalyakoorl, which means “always” in Noongar language. The album blends English and Noongar and touches on culture, connection to Country and healing. “It also aids in the preservation of language, so I feel proud that RAC Arena has been a part of this journey,” he said.
“RAC Arena might welcome some of the world’s biggest artists to our stage, but supporting the extraordinary talent being created right here in Western Australia is just as important to us,” said Michael Scott. Owen Whittle added that the winner and runners-up are “well developed local artists” WAM looks forward to showcasing to the West Australian public.
