The Big Idea

The Big Idea | Te Aria Nui is New Zealand’s online hub for creative people. Our aim is to support talented, innovative individuals and organisations, back the creative industries and advocate for creativity as an essential ingredient in the cultural and economic wealth of New Zealand. The Big Idea provides resources for the whole creative sector, including those seeking to turn their ‘big ideas’ into viable projects, careers and businesses. We are the go-to destination for work opportunities, event listings, arts stories and creative inspiration. The Big Idea is a not-for-profit trust started in 2001 and is New Zealand’s longest running creative sector website.

The Big Idea's Latest Articles

creative. image is a range of headshots of creative leaders in NZ
Opinions & Analysis

What does new NZ government mean for creativity?

The Big Idea asks creative leaders how Aotearoa's political shift to the right could impact arts, culture and heritage –…

News

Latest blow in gutting of NZ theatre education

The cuts set to ravage Victoria University of Wellington continue an alarming trend for Aotearoa's tertiary theatre education. James Wenley…

Graphic illustration of a stressed woman
Career Advice

Why you need to stop obsessing about your potential

Feel like you're held hostage by the pressure of living up to your potential? Verity Johnson has put together a…

detail of colourful abstract painting
Features

Autism and the arts

What can creatives can do to help raise acceptance and awareness of neurodiverse artists living with autism?

A man wearing a multi-coloured t-shirt stares up at a gilded ceiling, frescos and paintings in Florence, Italy.
Features

How visual intelligence can build ‘cultural capital’

Anyone can look at art – but it turns out the perception of art is a skill so valuable, it's…

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Career Advice

10 top tips on how to make your own movie

Former Director of South Seas Film School, producer, director and self-confessed movie nut, Adam Fresco offers a hands-on guide to…

Features

The future-proofing of funny

Some of New Zealand's leading comedy forces explain how they managed to turn the sector's darkest times into bright beacons…

Career Advice

Visual literacy: have you noticed your superpower?

You may have heard of financial literacy, health literacy and digital literacy – but do you know what visual literacy…

Education & Student News

Arts education Aotearoa: three causes for hope

One arts educator is determined to highlight the positive amid the constant criticism of how the arts are treated in…

News

Ideas for making art outside the box

Need to break out of your normal creative routine? You're not alone – here are some examples of artists not…

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