Dame Malvina Major Foundation Arts Excellence Awards Will Kick Start Careers In Classical Music For Three Young NZers

Three awards of $10,000 will kick start careers in classical music for young New Zealanders

The Dame Malvina Major Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2025 Arts Excellence Awards, offering three national awards of $10,000 each to support outstanding young New Zealand singers and instrumentalists preparing for a professional career in classical music.

Founded on Dame Malvina’s vision to support talent “from grassroots to excellence,” the Foundation has awarded over 100 Arts Excellence Awards since the programme began, helping to launch the careers of many of New Zealand’s brightest young artists.

“Encouraging and enabling young people to pursue their dreams in classical music has always been at the heart of the Foundation’s work,” says Dame Malvina Major.

“These awards are one way we help open doors, ease the financial burden, and let young artists focus on their craft.”

The Arts Excellence Awards are open to New Zealand citizens aged 18 - 30 who have undertaken a significant part of their training within New Zealand. In 2025, the programme has expanded to a national scope, with all applicants now considered for the three national awards. Additional regional awards are also available including The Cecily Maccoll High Achiever Award in Canterbury, and The Nancy and Ron Grant Arts Excellence Award for eligible vocalists or pianists from the South Island.

The Awards can support a wide range of classical training projects, from tertiary study to audition tours, workshops, coaching, or masterclass fees - with travel and accommodation also considered where appropriate.

Applications close at 5pm, Sunday 30 June 2025, and successful applicants will be notified by Friday 15 August 2025.

More information and the application form are available at www.dmmfoundation.org.nz/grants-scholarships/arts-excellence-awards

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