Make a big difference to The Big Idea.  Help us tell the most creative stories.

Home  /  Stories  / 
Why I Turned Down My Dream Job
5 days ago

Why I Turned Down My Dream Job

What matters to you when making your career choices? One writer explains why they chose a freelance life in the arts over job - and financial - stability.

Author:  ArtsHub.com.au
Open Letter - "To Lose Culture Is To Risk Losing Heart And Spirit"
1 week ago

Open Letter - "To Lose Culture Is To Risk Losing Heart And Spirit"

Some of Aotearoa's most respected artists, creative leaders, academics and educators have come together to make sure that the arts gets on the radar in this year's election campaign.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
Arts Voices: Why Auckland Must Fight Council Budget Cuts
1 week ago

Arts Voices: Why Auckland Must Fight Council Budget Cuts

Tāmaki Makaurau is "on the precipice of uncertainty" - We speak to some of the city's creative leaders to find out the real impact of the proposed funding cuts and what needs to happen to change it.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
Ngā Tūmanako.jpeg
1 month ago

Does Te Matatini Competition Need Revamping?

Respected Māori choreographer and creative thought-leader Jack Gray loves kapa haka - but explains why he thinks it's time some critical thinking was applied to Te Matatini.

Author:  Jack Gray
Using Humour To Tackle Confronting Subjects
1 month ago

Using Humour To Tackle Confronting Subjects

Comedian James Nokise is skilled at using jokes to tackle uncomfortable issues - he explains to The Big Idea the art of the right way to do it.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
"Morally Adrift" - Culture & Value Needs Democracy, Not Democratisation
1 month ago

"Morally Adrift" - Culture & Value Needs Democracy, Not Democratisation

Seasoned creative leader Philip Clarke states our lens on culture and value needs to change - and how the passing of the Queen helped sparked this conversation.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
Opinion: How Has Creative Community Fared In The Ardern Era?
2 months ago

Opinion: How Has Creative Community Fared In The Ardern Era?

Much has been said of Jacinda Ardern's success & failures in the Prime Minister's role - but Andrew Wood gives his personal thoughts on what's been achieved in the Arts, Culture & Heritage portfolio.

Author:  Andrew Paul Wood
Developing A Culture Of Arts Philanthropy
2 months ago

Developing A Culture Of Arts Philanthropy

Policy-makers and arts organisations must consider how to encourage next-generation philanthropy, writes an internationally acclaimed Artistic Director.

Author:  ArtsHub.com.au
Black Saturday - And Why You Need To Know About It
2 months ago

Black Saturday - And Why You Need To Know About It

Nestled between December's public holidays is a date of huge significance to NZ and Samoa. Pacific creative powerhouse Andy Leleisi’uao is calling for the Sky Tower to help shine a light on it.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
Best (And Worst) of Aotearoa Creativity in 2022
3 months ago

Best (And Worst) of Aotearoa Creativity in 2022

Andrew Wood casts his eye over the year that's been - and shoots from both the lip and the hip with his opinion on this year's highlights and lowlights.

Author:  Andrew Paul Wood
Late To The Party
3 months ago

Late To The Party

How late is too late to chase your creative dreams? An ex-pat New Zealander talks us through making the leap of faith to make hers a reality.

Author:  Emma Keeling
How Music Can Change A Life
4 months ago

How Music Can Change A Life

To spotlight Music Therapy week, a reluctant vocalist with Parkinson's disease explains the impact joining a choir has had on his personal wellbeing and happiness.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor