For just the third time in 23 years, there's a new leader at the helm of The Big Idea.

After a detailed and focused recruitment process, Samuel Walsh has been announced as the organisation's new Chief Executive, taking over from the departing Annie Ackerman.

Walsh has a proven track record -over the past decade, he has been part of an array of arts-based organisations including Basement Theatre, Boosted, New Zealand Fashion Week and Auckland Live. 

Walsh is well known to many of The Big Idea whānau, thanks to his crucial role in the early stages of creative careers service Toipoto. He was part of the team that designed the programme and was contracted as a key mentor and facilitator. 

Walsh explains "TBI is a unique platform in that it’s more than just one thing - so I guess what really drew me to the position was the potential that I think it holds. 

"There’s just so much variety and room to grow and experiment. I’m super grateful to get the chance to help refine and build upon the infrastructure Annie and the TBI team has built over the past eight years."

The Big Idea Chair Tina Symmans feels they've landed on the ideal candidate with Walsh. 

“The Board knew we were looking for a replacement who had to fill some pretty big shoes and we are really thrilled to have attracted Sam to the role. Sam is well known for having a can-do approach and is well connected across the sector.

"Combined with his entrepreneurial skills and experience across many operational areas, Sam will take The Big Idea to realise its full potential, building on the solid foundations built by Annie.”

Experienced leader

Walsh has a strong CV across many areas of the creative sector, with experience in working alongside both artists and administrators.

From starting as a copywriter back in 2005, Walsh has worked his way into a number of leadership positions -  with managerial roles in marketing, operations and content, as well as experience as a General Manager and Creative Director.

As a creative, he has produced and curated over 100 shows and has worked closely to support the creative careers of many in Aotearoa.

He also knows what it's like to build an arts business from the ground up. From publishing house Dead Bird Books to live venue SOAP Dancehall and artist run-space and bookstore Strange Haven/Strange Goods, Walsh has first-hand experience in establishing businesses in this often-challenging sector.

Freelance clients throughout his career have included cultural and commercial monoliths like the United Nations, Sony Music, Radio New Zealand, NZME, Vice and The University Of Auckland.

Walsh reveals "Each new role and reinvention both in and out of the arts just provides a new opportunity to make - and hopefully learn from - your mistakes and I’ve gotten to make heaps of them."

The road ahead

Walsh has no doubt of The Big Idea's impact - and its potential.

"My Dad keeps telling his friends and whānau about my ‘new job’ and what struck him the most was how many people outside of the arts knew about The Big Idea. 

"I think that says a lot about the place it holds and the power of the platform. 

"It’s essential for the arts ecosystem to have a reliable and consistent source of information and a space for artists, administrators, stakeholders and arts lovers alike to engage, learn and share their collective stories and experiences so I see TBI's place as vital."

As far as his goals for his new position, Walsh enthuses "I have a bunch of ideas buzzing around in my brain but ‘time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted’. 

"So my first priority is to just stop and listen - to those at the coal face of TBI and the artists, arts practitioners and industry stakeholders who engage with it. From there, we can attain how we can better serve our community in a thoughtful and sustainable way."

As an active participant and long-serving leader in the creative sector, Walsh is fully aware the need for serving that community has never been greater.

When quizzed on the biggest issues facing the sector right now, Walsh responds "In no particular order: resistance to change, trash fire infrastructure, the Peter Principle and the perpetuation of unhealthy work practices - resulting in poor mental health."

Passing the baton

Outgoing CE Ackerman has been crucial in The Big Idea's development, including as the driving force behind its mentoring programmes and TBI's latest platform, The Learning Network.

Walsh is excited to work alongside Ackerman for the handover process, stating "Annie has worked tirelessly over the last eight years to transform what was essentially a minnow of a job board into a multi-faceted monster of a digital platform.

"She is such a generous, kind and authentic person and anyone who knows her knows just how deeply she cares for the wider arts community in Aotearoa." 

Ackerman holds her successor in high regard.

"Samuel has been a facilitator and mentor in past programmes we have run - he has shown passion and commitment to personal and professional development of artists.

"He's used his Arts Management degree in his work for Boosted, Auckland Live and the Basement as well as running venues, an independent publishing house and an artist retail space. He's a make-it-happen guy and we are thrilled to welcome him back."

Walsh will start his new role on 26 August.

Who Got the Gig?

For more than two decades, The Big Idea has helped creatives find work and opportunities in New Zealand and arts organisations and creative companies find the right people.

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