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Brown’s Budget Blackmail Bluff
1 day ago

Brown’s Budget Blackmail Bluff

The Mayor didn't even mention the arts as Auckland Council's budget debate got serious.  Verity Johnson explains why she reckons that's a good thing and asks are we seeing the real Wayne Brown?

Author:  Verity Johnson
"The Essence Of Creativity Is Healing"
5 days ago

"The Essence Of Creativity Is Healing"

From ward of the state to Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit - Fa’amoana Luafutu tells The Big Idea about his incredible journey through the arts all the way to the King's Birthday Honours List.

Author:  The Big Idea Editor
What Art Making Should Be About
1 week ago

What Art Making Should Be About

Respected arts thought leader Jack Gray makes a stand for the importance of creative potential being valued above political sustainability.

Author:  Jack Gray
Challenging The Tortured Artist Syndrome
2 weeks ago

Challenging The Tortured Artist Syndrome

Do we have to torture ourselves to create our best work? Why there needs to be a purpose to any pain - and how to keep it under control. 

Author:  Angela Barnett
Arts Education In Aotearoa - Three Causes For Hope
1 month ago

Arts Education In 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 schools. 

Author:  Nick Clothier
"It Shouldn't Be Like This"
1 month ago

"It Shouldn't Be Like This"

It's a story many creatives can relate to - one creative outlines the anguish that comes with the fight for funding and wonders the toll the Hunger Games approach takes on artists.

Author:  Tatiana Hotere
The Futility Of ‘What Do You Want To Be?’
1 month ago

The Futility Of ‘What Do You Want To Be?’

It's a question we ask young and old about their direction in life - but it's time to discard it and stop strangling creativity and opportunity.

Author:  Angela Barnett
The Avia Controversy - As Told By Tusiata Avia
1 month ago

The Avia Controversy - As Told By Tusiata Avia

From the corridors of power to the crevices of social media, her creative expression was weaponised and made her an unwitting centrepiece in a racially charged debate. Now - in her own words - Avia replies.

Author:  Tusiata Avia
"It's A Shambles" - Arts Education Issues Need Urgent Attention
1 month ago

"It's A Shambles" - Arts Education Issues Need Urgent Attention

The lack of priority for the creative fields across Aotearoa is causing more and more concern. Andrew Wood has been calling for more focus on arts education - and the current state is concerning.

Author:  Andrew Paul Wood
Using Humour To Tackle Confronting Subjects
4 months 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
4 months 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?
4 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