What The Big Idea means to you?

Since it’s our 10th birthday we’d like to hear what The Big Idea means to you. How it has helped you, what you always look for and what has inspired you?

* Please use the comment box below to share your thoughts and win birthday presents!

The Big Idea means many different things to different people – here’s what some of you said recently.

An idea before it's time... "The Big Idea helped me network before Facebook, find cast before StarNow, and still helps me find potential work, projects, crew and employees as well as get some pretty cool news." - Craig Parkes.

Being on the pulse..."I love your eclectic mix of updates on the art happenings in NZ and beyond. Keeping art real and keeping it exciting. And I also love that you do not over bomb my inbox. You have got it just right!" - Sarah McKay

Feeling part of a community...  "To me, The Big Idea is a place where I 'fit'. It helps me connect with like-minded people, share my ideas and promote creative events." - Marie-Claire

Helpful to creative businesses.... "As a new comer to the field of film & documentary making; I use the specialist reports as an educational tool as well as the links to corresponding articles. I have found its resources, news updates and articles invaluable." - Deborah Watene McKenzie

Helpful to creative careers... "The Big Idea has been a part of my creative career ever since it (TBI) began (was it really 10 years ago??!) Might sound a bit naff but I really couldn't imagine operating without it now." - Candy Elsmore.

It doesn't only happen online... "We acknowledge the enormous contribution that TBI Assist made to the success of the establishment of the New Zealand Dance Company.

"When the project began to develop a strategic and business plan for a new national contemporary dance company, we knew that we needed an experienced, process-driven facilitator with insight and organisational understanding as a mentor and facilitator.

"Elisabeth Vaneveld openly shared her experience, contacts and insights from the very start of our project and openly supported us with best practice examples, techniques and guidance throughout the project. We firmly believe that the honest and open feedback that we received from Elisabeth and the participants in our planning sessions really strengthened our work and the resulting plan reflects the valuable input of many supporters and stakeholders." - Frances Turner and Shona McCullagh, The New Zealand Dance Company.

What does The Big Idea mean to you? 

We've dug deep in our giftbag and found some more gifts, any comments added below before Monday 12 December will go in the draw to win the following...

• An office away from home - come and hotdesk at The BizDojo [casual desk to use 5 days a month for three months in either Auckland or Wellington]

• MagMag has just launched the Creative Magazine Guide so get those creative juices flowing with this prize pack featuring Papier Mache, Lurzers Archive, Eyeline and Abitare!

• The visual arts 'On The Move' prize pack:
  • A copy of Te Papa Diary 2012 [Te Papa Press]
  • A copy of Real Art Roadshow | The Book [Craig Potton Publishing]

•  And for sheer pleasure, travelling
  
  • Lonely's Planet's Best in Travel 2012
  • How to land a Jumbo Jet - A Visual Exploration of Travel Facts, Figures and Ephemera!