Dame Malvina Major Photo: Supplied
The Dame Malvina Major Foundation Art Excellence Awards give young artists a financial boost.
On 19 May, applications for the combined Auckland and Hamilton awards will close and successful applicants will perform for a judging panel.
Dame Malvina tells Upbeat's Eva Radich the panel is looking for people with strong communication and performance, but also mental strength – "Has this person got the will and the willingness and the passion?"
She says there are now a huge pool of "good singers" around the world, but you need something more to stand out.
"Sometimes it's not the greatest voice that gets to the top – it's the person with determination."
