While Dame Malvina coined the phrase ‘From grassroots to excellence’ her driving ambition is supporting excellence. Her ability to identify and encourage young people who have the potential to be excellent is impressive – she will give a helping hand as needed but is demanding when required. She will only back those who back themselves.
Dame Malvina has never been afraid to ask for help. She is focused and determined in this way. While her success and reputation typically get her in the door, support for her foundation has come because people have responded to her engaging personality, compassion and vision. She has gathered around her others who share her dream. This has included friends who have set up our regional committees, organisational sponsors such as Ryman Healthcare, through to generous donors and trusts who have backed the Foundation’s investment in future talent.
The careers of countless New Zealand performing artists who have enjoyed international success reflect the impact of the Foundation but more importantly Dame Malvina’s own influence on individuals. Their respect and admiration for her is testament to the personal interest she takes in each of them. She has the rare ability to reach out when she sees an individual needs support or guidance.
As we look back on the last 30 years and forward to the next 30, one thing is certain: we must continue to identify and support young artists who have potential for excellence, individuals who can emulate Dame Malvina’s many successes. And we must continue to surround ourselves in those who share her passion and vision – from Trustees who represent a balance of artistic and commercial experience, to our many supporters.
Importantly, we must also continue to build our capital fund to provide an annual income for our annual programme of grants, prizes and scholarships. For this we continue to reach out to our supporters to help ‘share the dream’ – through donations, sponsorship, endowed funds and bequests.
Dame Malvina’s legacy is her Foundation. As she once said to me, this is more important than a statue in a garden somewhere with a pigeon perched on her head. Let’s ensure her legacy outlives us all.
David Jackson, Chair
