OUR STORY
The Jim Stevenson Performing Arts Trust is a New Zealand incorporated charitable trust and registered with Charities Services.
Its mission is to facilitate and encourage New Zealanders to develop an appreciation for and understanding of the performing arts, including:
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providing financial assistance to enable NZ citizens or NZ resident artists to further their education in the performing arts
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creating and facilitating educational and training opportunities for those people to gain skills and competency in the performing arts
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A specific example is The Jim Stevenson Tenor Scholarship awarded by the Trust.
SCHOLARSHIP
The Jim Stevenson Performing Arts Trust provides an annual scholarship to eligible candidates of up to NZ$10,000 to assist early career tenor singers who have completed their training and wish to further their studies overseas and/or audition. Candidates apply by completing an application form together with two recordings comprising an aria and a song of choice. A shortlist from the candidates is selected. The next scholarship round is expected in August 2026.
The Jim Stevenson Tenor Scholarship for 2025 was held on Wednesday 29 October 2025, as an evening performance in the Concert Chamber of the Auckland Town Hall. The four finalists were
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Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono
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Ipu Laga’aia
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Elias Nguyen
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Ridge Ponini
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The Jim Stevenson Performing Arts Trust is delighted to announce that Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono has been awarded the inaugural scholarship of $10,000 to audition and pursue his studies as an opera singer overseas.
Appearing before a panel of three distinguished tenor singers who were adjudicating - Simon O'Neill, Richard Greager and Glenn Winslade, Mr Fonoti-Fuimaono who is 24 years old, was chosen from four finalists, who each sang a song and two operatic arias.
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Mr Fonoti-Fuimaono will be heading to Europe to audition with three major opera houses for their respective Opera Studio’s - in Munich, Hamburg and Stuttgart.
Jordan Fonoti-Fuimaono, winner of 2025 Jim Stevenson Tenor Scholarship
DONATIONS
THE NEED
To succeed, emerging artists must apply all their skills, determination and total commitment to their career, and may confront many technical and logistical hurdles, all in a very competitive environment. This pathway can be very expensive too, and a lack of funds is a strong deterrent. The Trust’s annual scholarship grant is $10,000 and is specifically targeted to a type of singer, one that is already qualified, has demonstrated tenacity and has the special skills required. The Trust’s grant may only meet a small proportion of the artist’s financial commitment required and artists often seek different sources of support.
YOU CAN HELP
A donation from you will help these New Zealand artists to develop further and hopefully gain ultimate recognition here and overseas, contributing to NZ performing arts overall. So your financial support is appreciated and needed.
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We welcome donations of any amount, but please consider choosing one of the suggested categories of support:
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Bronze $50
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Silver $250
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Gold $500
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Platinum $1000
Please click below to download the donation form. As an approved NZ IRD tax donee organisation we can provide receipts for eligible 33% tax deductions for NZ donations.
CONTACT
Website: www.jsperformingarts.org
Email: jenny@jsperformingarts.org
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PO Box 11, Helensville, Auckland 0840
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THE JIM STEVENSON PERFORMING ARTS TRUST Incorporation: 50029040
NZBN: 9429047975736
Charities Register: CC63336