This week we hear from New Zealand Book Month Director Michele Powles who describes how the festival has evolved since its inception in 2005, including ‘the change of focus towards a community participatory model’.

“If NZ Book Month grows, so too does the chance for all NZ authors including myself to have a sustainable writing career in this country.”

TBI Q&A: Soprano Anna Leese has answered The Big Idea community questions about singing in different languages, the rehearsal process and the challenges of her role as Tatyana in the NBR New Zealand Opera’s Eugene Onegin.

TalkWrite: Renee Liang muses about her experience as a first-time director and talks to Suzanne Ritzenhoff about Q Theatre and the Auckland Performing Arts Forum.

Sets and The City: James Hadley in London talks about Jericho House, a theatre company specialising in 'groundbreaking alliances between theatre, music and installation art'.

ScreenTalk: Englishman David Bellamy is a world famous botanist, author, broadcaster and conservationist. He came to prominence in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s with numerous natural history programmes.

In this NZ On Screen video interview he discusses making Moa's Ark, what he thinks of nature shows on TV now and the famous Old Man’s Beard commercial.


Cathy Aronson
Editor
The Big Idea - Te Aria Nui

Latest News

Tell us about your News & Story Ideas or let us know What's On.
  • Artwork (2009) by Margaret Aull.

    Five contemporary artists from Fiji have come together for an exhibition in response to Fiji Day, 10 October.

  • Alex Monteith production shot. Photo by Sarah Munro.

    Speed and noise junkies will get their fix when they visit Te Tuhi’s latest exhibition 'Modern Physics'. Seven international and local artists are coming together for the first time to present action packed projects.

  • The Art of the Book.

    Books and their words don’t need an internet connection or electricity in order to transport us. The art of a book is its ability to cultivate experiences through other people’s eyes.

  • Robin Slow: Nga Hononga - Connections.

    Robin Slow is a storyteller, interested in connecting the oral with the visual. These visual stories reveal his connection to the whenua (land), the people and the “inter reaction of these features”.

  • Robot Army by Ruth Korver.

    Seventeen artists will be transforming Thistle Hall in Wellington into 'a veritable legion of robots' -  from tasty metal beasts made from scrap to textile bots and clay models.

  • Thomas Sainsbury.

    Five playwrights have been shortlisted for the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award. They are Miria George, Pip Hall, Eli Kent, Arthur Meek and Thomas Sainsbury.

  • Alice Miller - 2009 BNZ Katherine Mansfield Awards premier winner.

    Wellington writer Alice Miller has won the BNZ Katherine Mansfield Award. 

  • Marian Maguire, The Labours of Herakles 2007-8.

    History will gain a modern twist for the last exhibition of the year at the Adam Art Gallery. Source Material - Five Conversations with the Past is a suite of five discrete projects, each with their own approach to the re-visioning of historical material.

  • The new Footnote Forte Solo Series presents six new dance works inspired by famous New Zealanders, from experimental artist Len Lye to ex-pat pop star Ladyhawke.

  • The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has launched a landmark 2010 Season at the Auckland Town Hall with a promise of top-tier artists and a line up of programmes designed to take audiences on a vividly emotional journey.

  • Tertiary Colours.

    The future talents of New Zealand dance will melt your heart with their toes! Dance is not limited to a particular age or a particular style – it can be enjoyed by the oldest couple performing Tango to the youngest person krumping and clowning, Tempo’s Youth programme will explore the diverse range of dancing styles on offer.

  • Crowned New Zealand’s number one hip hop crew earlier in the year and fresh from their top ten placing at the World Hip Hop Championships in Las Vegas, TMC are ready to present their innovative full-length dance work for the first time.

TBI Q&A

  • Michele Powles.

    New Zealand Book Month Director Michele Powles describes how the festival has evolved since its inception in 2005, including ‘the change of focus towards a community participatory model’.

    “If NZ Book Month grows, so too does the chance for all NZ authors including myself to have a sustainable writing career in this country.”

Blogs

  • Renee Liang.

    Renee Liang muses about her experience as a first-time director and talks to Suzanne Ritzenhoff about Q Theatre and the Auckland Performing Arts Forum.

    Blog:
    TalkWrite
  • 'Katrina' by Jericho House. Photo by Thierry Bal.

    Jericho House is a theatre company specialising in 'groundbreaking alliances between theatre, music and installation art'.

    Blog:
    Sets and The City

TBI TV

  • David Bellamy.

    Englishman David Bellamy is a world famous botanist, author, broadcaster and conservationist. He came to prominence in New Zealand in the 1970s and 1980s with numerous natural history programmes.

    In this NZ On Screen video interview he discusses making Moa's Ark, what he thinks of nature shows on TV now and the famous Old Man’s Beard commercial.

Latest from GROW

  • The Creative Adventures of James Brown: Part Two.

    The Creative Adventures of James Brown documents the passion, excitement and adventure of working as an emerging painter in New Zealand. Part two of James' video blog explores his illustrative style and concept development.

    From:
    Tips and News
  • Politicians create the rules defining our working environment.  That is why President of The New Zealand Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc.), Tony Simpson, will join a panel of sitting MPs to debate major issues affecting the working environment for New Zealand’s professional writers. 

    From:
    Tips and News
  • Three Unitec lecturers from the Department of Landscape Architecture have made the final shortlist in the competition to redesign Auckland’s Queens Wharf.

    From:
    Tips and News
  • From:
    Development Resources

WORK | JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

Including Employment Opportunities, Auditions, Awards, Call for Proposals/Entries, Commissions, Competitions, Freelance Opportunities, Funding/Grant/Philanthropy, Internships, Looking for Cast & Crew, Tenders and Volunteer & Unpaid work. Go to www.thebigidea.co.nz/work

Enterprise News

  • Paula Kearns.

    Two new Trustees have been appointed to ASB Community Trust. They are Auckland accountant Paula Kearns and Auckland lawyer Ken Whitney.

  • The NZ Art Guild has been recognised as the Most Community Minded Business at The David Awards.
    The judges said the huge support the Guild has given to artists, in addition to a major focus on supporting charities both in New Zealand and overseas, contributed to the award win.

  • Copyright Licensing Ltd has formed a venture to digitise New Zealand books and make them available to the New Zealand reading public on new digital reading devices, including ebook readers and smartphones,  Apple's iPhone and the forthcoming Google Android phones.

  • Academic and historian Judith Binney and artist and curator Helen Kedgley have been appointed to the board of the Arts Council of New Zealand Toi Aotearoa, Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage Christopher Finlayson announced today.

  • Small to medium sized companies are optimistic about the future with 85 per cent confident that business activity will either increase or remain the same over the next six to 12 months, according to KPMG’s inaugural 'Mood of the Market' survey.

  • Total income for all New Zealand businesses increased to $560.8 billion for the 2008 financial year, Statistics New Zealand said today. The 7.1 percent ($37.2 billion) rise is higher than the 6.4 percent rise in total income in 2007.

Jobs & Opportunities - paid

Submit your jobs and other career opportunities here. Find out about making them bold or being Job Of The Week here.
  • Givealittle is seeking expressions of interest & proposals to complete a commission artwork that captures the generosity and donor response post the Samoa Tsunami.
    Category:
    Call for Proposals/Entries
    Location:
    New Zealand | Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Tuesday, 6 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Givealittle
  • Your chance to work for a growing international publication in a varied proofreading role.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 16 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Trends International
  • Permanent, full time position tutoring within the Circo Arts progamme
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Canterbury Region | Canterbury Region: Christchurch
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 23 October 2009
    Organisation:
    CPIT
  • Internet Video Editor - entrant opportunity to join leading online video player - Silverlinemedia.tv
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: North Shore
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 24 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Silverlinemedia.tv
  • Southside Gig is an awesome new event for youth with break dance, hip hop , graf art and music happening as part of the Manukau Festival of Arts 09. Entries now open for 3 on 3 COMPS (12 - 25 yrs).
    Category:
    Competition
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland | Auckland Region: Waitakere | Auckland Region: Manukau | Auckland Region: North Shore
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 14 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Manukau City Council
  • Auckland War Memorial Museum is seeking to appoint an experienced Exhibition Developer for a full time (40 hours per week), 18 month fixed term contract.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Monday, 12 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Auckland Museum
  • A unique opportunity to be part of one of New Zealand's fastest growing, most exciting annual Festivals.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 30 October 2009
    Organisation:
    NZ Comedy Trust
  • Are you passionate about New Zealand theatre? Do you want to lead a national arts organisation? Applications are being sought for the position of Director of Playmarket.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    New Zealand | Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 30 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Playmarket
  • Sales person for a new production company with 40 years experience in the industry
    Category:
    Commission
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 17 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Two Oceans
  • playing laidback, elegant & seductive retro 'spy' music, a one-man band is seeking a manager
    Category:
    Commission
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 1 January 2011
    Organisation:
    Mardo El Noor
  • Art Writers
    Category:
    Commission
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 28 February 2010
    Organisation:
    Enjoy Public Art Gallery
  • Residency dates: 28 January – 27 February 2010. Proposals due Wednesday 28 October 2009
    Category:
    Call for Proposals/Entries
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 28 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Enjoy Public Art Gallery
  • Sound design for Interactive Installation
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Waitakere
    Submitted:
    Monday, 05 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Thursday, 8 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Angela Main
  • New NZ Scripts wanted to present in 2010
    Category:
    Call for Proposals/Entries
    Location:
    New Zealand
    Submitted:
    Sunday, 04 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 29 November 2009
    Organisation:
    Punch Label Productions Ltd.
  • A short term contract as the role of Tane in the Tina and Tane Theatre in Education production.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: North Shore
    Submitted:
    Sunday, 04 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 16 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Kids 4 Drama Productions
  • Director for Stags and Hens by Willy Russell at Papakura Theatre Company
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Manukau
    Submitted:
    Saturday, 03 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 3 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Papakura Theatre Company
  • Web Master
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland
    Submitted:
    Friday, 02 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 18 October 2009
    Organisation:
    The University of Auckland
  • As an Events Host you will ensure Te Papa continues to provide the highest standards of service excellence and a safe and secure environment for our collections, visitors and staff.
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Friday, 02 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 11 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa
  • Events Supervisor
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Friday, 02 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 11 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Museum of NZ Te Papa Tongarewa
  • animating tvc's music videos and promotional work in eather 2d or 3d
    Category:
    Freelance Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Friday, 02 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 24 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Two Oceans
  • Artists of all kinds wanted - Funding available for projects within the Rodney District
    Category:
    Call for Proposals/Entries
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: North Shore
    Submitted:
    Friday, 02 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Thursday, 22 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Rodney District Council
  • GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SOMEONE WITH TALENT WHO ENJOYS WORKING WITH YOUNGER STUDENTS
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 01 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 10 October 2009
    Organisation:
    MAIRANGI ARTS CENTRE

Jobs & Opportunities - unpaid

Includes unpaid work e.g. voluntary, work experience or looking for cast & crew. There may be some great career development opportunities here and ways you can help other people develop their creative practice. Submit your jobs and other career opportunities here. Find out about making them bold or being Job Of The Week here.
  • 3 Unpaid Roles in Short Film
    Category:
    Volunteer or Unpaid
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 10 October 2009
    Organisation:
    NZFA
  • 3 Male actors (18+) needed for the student short film role "Brian and Eddy Make A Movie"
    Category:
    Looking for Cast and Crew
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Thursday, 15 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Students from the NZ Film Academy
  • Male Actor 19 - 25 needed
    Category:
    Looking for Cast and Crew
    Location:
    Wellington Region
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 31 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Wellington Short Film
  • We need 4 experienced/trained dancers for our music video
    Category:
    Volunteer or Unpaid
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 1 November 2009
    Organisation:
    Little Bark Productions
  • Send proposals for miniature art gallery
    Category:
    Call for Proposals/Entries
    Location:
    New Zealand
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 08 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 30 December 2009
    Organisation:
    "Lagniappe (Lan-yop)" A little art gallery in Dunedin
  • TRUMPET AND TROMBONE PLAYERS WANTED FOR BAND
    Category:
    Audition
    Location:
    Auckland Region | Auckland Region: Auckland | Auckland Region: North Shore
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 30 December 2009
    Organisation:
    THE ROOFTOP COLLECTIVE
  • Video Production for web
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    New Zealand
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Tuesday, 20 October 2009
    Organisation:
    underground marketing
  • lighting guy for short film
    Category:
    Looking for Cast and Crew
    Location:
    Canterbury Region | Canterbury Region: Christchurch
    Submitted:
    Wednesday, 07 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Saturday, 17 October 2009
    Organisation:
    316 productions
  • Enjoy is seeking dedicated volunteers to assist in making the gallery and its programme tick
    Category:
    Volunteer or Unpaid
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Tuesday, 06 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Monday, 1 February 2010
    Organisation:
    Enjoy Public Art Gallery
  • Love to Plan, Organise and Manage?
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Monday, 05 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Thursday, 15 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Ataraxia Productions
  • Director of Photography, Camerman
    Category:
    Looking for Cast and Crew
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Monday, 05 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 14 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Ataraxia Productions
  • Seeking a female and a male actor to star in a low budget short film thriller
    Category:
    Audition
    Location:
    Wellington Region | Wellington Region: Wellington
    Submitted:
    Monday, 05 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Wednesday, 14 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Ataraxia Productions
  • K.ONTROL : Looking for three actors for an interactive performance installation
    Category:
    Audition
    Location:
    Wellington Region
    Submitted:
    Sunday, 04 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Friday, 16 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Sebastian Sommer
  • Looking for a talented entertainment manager to work with us in organising a summer tour
    Category:
    Employment Opportunity
    Location:
    New Zealand | Otago Region | Otago Region: Dunedin | Southland Region | Southland Region: Invercargil
    Submitted:
    Saturday, 03 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Sunday, 1 November 2009
    Organisation:
    Midnight Kitchen
  • Seeking directors for 24hr Theatre Challenge Oct 9-10
    Category:
    Looking for Cast and Crew
    Location:
    Auckland Region
    Submitted:
    Thursday, 01 Oct 2009
    Applications Close:
    Thursday, 8 October 2009
    Organisation:
    Titirangi Theatre

Events

Events, shows, exhibitions, performances but also funding rounds, professional development workshops, seminars and symposia as well as hui, wananga and dates for competitions. Submit your event here. Go to www.thebigidea.co.nz/connect/events

SHOW | THE GALLERY

Buy or view the work of creative New Zealanders. Go to www.thebigidea.co.nz/show

Clothing

Show what you do and sell it too. Submit an item to SHOW | Clothing

Pictures & Paintings

Show what you do and sell it too. Submit an item to SHOW | Pictures & Paintings

Object Art

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Videos

Show what you do and sell it too. Submit an item to SHOW | Videos

Writing

Show what you do and sell it too. Submit an item to SHOW | Writing

Illustrations & Cartoons

Show what you do and sell it too. Submit an item to SHOW | Illustrations & Cartoons
  • Kiwis in the Moonlight

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