Performance Santa Fe Foundation makes a transformative gift to UNM College of Fine Arts

Performance Santa Fe Foundation has made a transformative gift to The University of New Mexico College of Fine Arts.

The gift establishes the Performance Santa Fe Legacy Scholars Endowed Scholarship and a Student Enrichment Fund, which will specifically support students from Santa Fe County and across northern New Mexico who want to pursue degrees in music, dance and theater at UNM.

"The creation of the Performance Santa Fe Legacy Scholars Endowed Scholarships and the Enrichment Fund reflects a deeply rooted shared vision and mutual dedication to artistic growth, educational access and cultural vitality," said Harris Smith, dean of the College of Fine Arts. "As the college for New Mexico, we are committed to serving students and communities statewide, ensuring that the arts remain a vibrant force for connection and change."

Students from Santa Fe have already received the benefits of this scholarship this year. Third-year music major Jalena Rubin, who grew up in Santa Fe, is one of eight recipients. She shared that "this scholarship has opened doors that were previously unavailable to me in my music journey. Receiving this scholarship has kick-started my musical aspirations, and I am so grateful."

Performance Santa Fe first opened in 1937. Throughout its 88-year history, the organization set the standard for artistic performance in Santa Fe. Education was also a vital part of its mission, and Performance Santa Fe worked tirelessly to offer excellent education programs to inspire and engage the community's youth. By establishing these funds for Santa Fe and northern New Mexico students, PSF Foundation honors the organization's rich history while keeping its mission alive by easing the financial burden of college and increasing access to a world-class education.

"At a time when higher education-and especially arts education-faces growing challenges, the Performance Santa Fe Legacy Scholarship stands as a bright spot for our students and for the future of our department," said Gregory Moss, chair of the Department of Theater and Dance. "Most importantly, this gift sends a powerful message to our community that the creative work of our students matters. It affirms that their voices, stories and talents are vital to the cultural life of New Mexico."

For the students, the impact of this gift is personal and immediate. Performance Santa Fe's scholarships will provide students with the necessary financial support to continue their education journey, mentorship opportunities and enrichment experiences that will help them succeed after graduation.

"Beyond the scholarship, student enrichment funding will help students transition from school to career," said Michael Hix, chair of the Department of Music. "It will assist performers traveling to auditions and enable students to pursue training programs that deepen their craft and expand their networks."

Mai Tran is a second-year theater and dance student. She shared that she is, "so grateful to be able to pursue my passion in the arts, specifically costume design. It has been incredibly fulfilling being supported by this scholarship, so that I can continue learning more techniques and useful skills while also embracing the creative opportunities and liberties within class projects."

With this gift, Performance Santa Fe Foundation has invested in the future of New Mexico's creative arts scene by providing scholarships and travel opportunities to today's college students. The gift will expand the horizons of each student they fund, while enriching the artistic ecosystem of northern New Mexico.

"It's a legacy-building gesture that honors the past, empowers the present and inspires the future of the arts across our region," said Smith.

If you'd like to support these scholarships and help nurture New Mexico's future talent, contact Shelly Smith at [email protected].