The Springboard Award funded by Brad Spence and Holly Erskine.

Reuben Jelleyman is a New Zealand composer, currently based in Auckland after returning from Paris – where he studied at CNSMDP under Gérard Pesson. His works have been played by Ensemble Intercontemporain, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (New Zealand) and many more.

After graduating in 2016 from Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music and Victoria University of Wellington in music and physics, Reuben has gone on to gain national and international recognition as an innovative and exciting creative. Along with composing he has produced multimedia installations and multichannel electronic works, as well as performing as a percussionist, organist, and conductor. He was also the creator and director of PORTALS, a music project in Wellington city hosting contemporary music events outside of concert hall spaces.

Reuben Jelleyman will be mentored by 2014 Arts Foundation Laureate, Ross Harris

Ross Harris has written more than two hundred compositions including opera, symphonic music, chamber music, klezmer and electronic music. He has been a finalist in the prestigious SOUNZ Contemporary Award more times than any other New Zealand composer and won the award four times.

Statement from selection panel: "Reuben is regarded as a fine thinker and artist who has already distinguished himself through his international residencies and study at the Paris Conservatoire. This award will offer Rueben the opportunity to develop his exceptional creativity, expand his networks and help build the critical confidence he needs."