Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the Toipoto Creative Commercial Essentials Programme.
Enquiry, Application and Selection Process
Online Enquiry form
To confirm eligibility to participate in the programme, applicants need to fill out the short online enquiry form on this webpage. An automated email will then be sent to advise of next steps. Eligible applicants will be sent a unique link to an application form.
Online Application form
To apply for the programme, please fill out the online application form. You will be asked to provide information about yourself, your role in the creative industries and your aspirations. Please take your time to ensure your application is as complete and compelling as possible. Applications must be submitted before 5pm, 7 May 2023.
Selection process
An initial screening will determine which applicants meet the programme requirements.
An internal panel will evaluate applications based on professional aspirations, potential for growth and development, motivation, and commitment to the programme. The programme welcomes participants from a diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, abilities, roles, and levels of experience.
Promising applicants will be invited along to a follow-up online interview.
Follow-up interview
You will be contacted to arrange a Zoom call in order to get a better sense of your career, goals, and suitability for the programme.
Invitation to Foundation Programme
Invitations will be sent to successful applicants along with a participation agreement providing clear information about the programme's expectations, timeline, and benefits. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified and invited to participate in future creative career development opportunities.
Selection for Advanced Mentoring Programme
At the end of the foundation programme, participants will have the opportunity to apply for the mentoring programme.
An internal panel will evaluate applications based on applicant’s potential for global growth, motivation, and commitment to the programme. The programme welcomes participants from a diverse range of backgrounds, disciplines, abilities, roles, and levels of experience.
Application FAQs
- How can I apply?
- Please apply using the enquiry form on this webpage
- Can I apply in person?
- No, applications are made online only. If you are shortlisted, we will arrange a short online video interview with you.
- I don’t have a creative practice. Is this programme for me?
- The programme is open to applicants who are working in a career that supports or contributes to content creation in any way. This includes (but is not limited to) those working in industries or roles outside of the arts, including advertising, marketing, architecture, design, software development, etc.
- I’m at the start of my creative career. Should I apply?
- The programme is open to applicants looking to up-skill in their creative career path. This includes recent graduates, right through to mid-career creatives who are already running a business or a practice and would like to further build and develop their commercial skills.
- Can I share my expertise to support the programme?
- Yes, we invite people with experience to join The Big Idea’s network of experts to help support and enable our programme participants. Please contact us via the email at the bottom of this webpage to express your interest
- Can I apply with my colleagues or collaborators as a group?
- Business colleagues or collaborators are welcome to apply as a group. Please apply as an individual and use the section on the application form to connect your application to your group members.
- Still unsure if the programme is for you?
- No worries! contact us via the email address at the bottom of this webpage with your queries.
- What if I am participating in, or an alumni of, another Toipoto programme?
- Toipoto alumni are welcome to apply. Current Toipoto participants are not eligible to apply.
- What if I apply and don't get in?
- If you are not successful in your application for this programme, we will notify you and might suggest an alternative creative career development programme.
- If you are eligible for the programme, but don’t get in due to the limited number of funded places, you might consider joining the programme as a paid participant to optimise your development. The paid places are also limited. For more information, please contact us using the email address below.
- We are also working to develop long-term funding for the programme to enable more creative practitioners to build their skills. We will keep you updated as we confirm funding for this and other programmes.
Foundation Programme FAQs
- Will I receive a certificate/qualification for completing the programme?
- Yes you will receive a Certificate of Completion. No, the Creative Commercial Essentials programme is not accredited.
- How will the programme be delivered?
- The programme is a mix of in-person workshops, online meetings, and self-directed learning.
- How many people will be on the programme?
- There will be a maximum of 50 participants.
- What role will I play in the workshops – are these lecture style, or interactive?
- The workshops will be a mix of short talks, presentations and interactive exercises.
- Will I get to present my work?
- Throughout the programme you’ll be required to share your work to develop your business capability with your peers on the programme.
- How long is the programme?
- The foundation programme is 9 weeks
- The mentoring programme starts in August with all six sessions to be completed before December 2023
- I am currently employed full time. How many hours per week are required for the programme?
- The programme requires a minimum commitment of six hours per week. This includes 2-hours of in-person workshops (every Tuesday at 10am from 6 June until 1 August), 3 hours of independent learning and 1 hour of collective learning.
Advanced Mentoring Programme FAQs
- What is involved in being mentored?
- Mentoring is a relationship that supports and encourages the leadership journey of individuals and their organisations. Full details of the Advanced Mentoring Programme are being developed and will be made available soon.
- Do I get to choose my mentor?
- We will work with you to find a mentor with skills and experience relevant to your creative practice and career goals. There may be sessions where you will be offered a guest mentor.
- How/when/where will we meet?
- You will arrange how, when and where you will meet with your mentor.
- How many mentoring sessions are there?
- You will have six mentoring sessions over five months. Each session will last one hour.
- What commitments do I need to make?
- Attend orientation and all mentoring sessions
- Prepare an agenda for meetings with your mentor
- Complete any action items in a timely manner
- Be open to new ideas
- Be responsible for your own learning and actions
- Respect your mentor’s time by being prepared for sessions
- Provide feedback on your progress through programme surveys and events
- Can I offer to be a mentor?
- Yes, we invite people with expertise and experience to join The Big Idea’s network of paid mentors to help support and enable our programme participants.
- Please contact us via the email at the bottom of this webpage.
Contact
If you have questions that aren’t answered on our website, please email us at: programmescoordinator@thebigidea.co.nz