Feel like you’re banging your head against the wall of society, trying to make a buck out of what you do best?
If you want to stop doing admin and make some money from your talents (ARTISTIC talents - no, I’m not talking about heading down to Showgirls), then this site is the place to start.
www.thebigidea.co.nz is for artists of all makes and models: writers, painters, web designers, architects, actors and more…who are looking to make their passion, their livelihood. This is ‘an online community of New Zealand’s creative industries’; community being the operative word here, as the idea is that creative people can communicate and take advantage of each other’s knowledge, and share opportunities on this site.
The Appearance
Edited and contributed to by artists, for artists, this site has a Pacific air, with muted tones of yellow and green. It is affiliated with the PACE (Pathways to Arts and Cultural Employment) sector of Work and Income New Zealand, but don’t let that put you off, because there is no government feel or mention here. It is fairly easy to navigate, although I have had trouble figuring out what comes under some of the headings.
The Content
This site covers all creative areas – there are opportunities listed under such headings as ‘writing’ and ‘acting’, to ‘world art’ and ‘arts management’. There are also active forums where members can discuss their ideas or views, and help or gain help from other artists. Members create a profile that is searchable by other members and by the public (ie: potential employers). You can also ‘showcase’ your work online for general viewing, and subscribe to an interesting weekly email from The Big Idea outlining the latest postings and arts news.
The Extras
On the middle right of the opening page, members are showcased, along with their photograph and background. As a member, you get access to the Big Idea email and are able to post ads for such things as ‘flatmates wanted’ or for the more confident, ‘nude model available’.
This site is great for those wanting up-to-the-minute information on the status of a particular art form in New Zealand. Auditions, jobs and freelance opportunities are posted constantly, so it pays to check the site often if you are really serious about your creative career.
Feel like you’re banging your head against the wall of society, trying to make a buck out of what you do best?