BIG FAN

Ignite is back for 2025 with intakes in both Tāmaki Makaruau and Pōneke for rangatahi aged 15-18 years old. Ignite is dedicated to nurturing and empowering rangatahi with a passion for music and events through a FREE 8-week industry specific training programme with streams in Event Management, Music Production and Event Production. Our mission? Support the personal and professional development of participants and offer valuable insights into the behind the scenes of the music industry. Ignite has a unique aim to teach rangatahi not only creativity within, but also the complimentary skills in support of the music industry, exposing them to the incredible breadth of career pathways and opportunities that exist within it. The programme offers one on one mentoring from industry professionals, upskilling opportunities, hands on experience and the opportunity to apply the skills learnt to practice. Through Ignite, we engage the wider community by producing truly authentic all ages shows – run by young people for young people, whilst creating key performance opportunities for young and emerging artists. Applications are open now and close 22 April 2025 at 10pm Ngā mihi nui to our partner Moshtix and our Pōneke partners Massey University and Wellington City Council. For all the info and to apply: https://lnkd.in/geKcZQpn

⭐ WE'RE HIRING ⭐ We’re looking for a superstar - someone organised, people-focused, and passionate about music to join the BIG FAN whānau as the Booking & Office Manager. You’ll be the go-to for bookings, keep everything running smoothly, and help keep BIG FAN an inspiring and welcoming space for everyone who comes through our doors. Apply by Friday 21 February. https://lnkd.in/g6kyZGCt

Ones To Watch New Zealand illuminated the stage at BIG FAN! Reiki Ruawai, Crystal, and Sam Cullen delivered electrifying performances, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from Aotearoa. Following a successful year of showcases throughout Tamaki Makaurau and most recently Pōneke, Wellington, Ones To Watch consistently highlights the flourishing music scene in Aotearoa. Since its inception, the programme has gathered an incredible slate of musicians under its belt, including Kiwi trailblazers BENEE, Leisure and Georgia Lines. 🌟 Read more about New Zealand's Ones to Watch program here: https://lnkd.in/ee8NVQPS

BIG FAN is turning two 🎂 Since opening, the studios have been used by over 1,600 creatives, with the venue playing host to 278 shows and events with nearly 850 artists - collectively involving almost 2,700 creatives performing on stage, and drawing an impressive 21,000+ fans through the doors. More than just a space for hire, we have delivered an incredible 28 key programmes for 189 core participants, engaging a further 392 creatives across Aotearoa. “We're proud to be a part of the Aotearoa music community, fostering creativity from the heart of Morningside. This milestone is a tribute to the music makers, the fans, and everyone who has been part of the journey.” - Savina Fountain, General Manager. To celebrate, we are putting on a day of celebration on Saturday 9th November. Start the day with a rave with MORNING PEOPLE with Kravis - tickets available from Humantix with $5 from every ticket donated to BIG FAN. Explore the GARAGE SALE and OPEN DAY from 10am - grab second-hand music gear and instruments, local artist merch or get a headshot with photographer Luke Penney, along with a coffee and some kai! The studios will also be open upstairs – head along and chat to the team and check out the studios. In the evening, the venue will be in full swing ft PAIGE, REIKI RUAWAI and THE DAWNS. This is an all ages and licensed show with tickets available from Moshtix. Ngā mihi nui to everyone who have made music in the studios, performed on stage in the venue, taken part in our programmes, come to enjoy live music, and done the mahi behind the scenes. We can't wait to celebrate with you all. https://lnkd.in/g9wPRUQN

Rangatahi from IGNITE Event Management organised an all ages mini music festival back in July. Not only did they learn valuable skills from organising their first show, it also provided performance opportunities for 7 young bands, work experience for rangatahi in our Event Production stream, and for rangatahi to experience the power of live music. On top of this, they raised $1,600 for the wonderful MusicHelps who do so much for the wellbeing of the music community 👏🏻 Ngā mihi nui to Harlo & Lorenzo, their wonderful mentors Kaitlyn Ratcliff & Finn McLennan-Elliott, Event Production participants Lucus & Elliot, their mentor Owen, all of the bands who performed, everyone who bought tickets, and to Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage for the support of Ignite 🙏🏻

We are thrilled to announce the next two IGNITE programme intakes. Ignite is dedicated to nurturing and empowering people with a passion for music and events through their eight-week industry specific training programme that spans across three streams - Event Management, Event Production and Music Production. The programme provides one-on-one mentoring from industry professionals, upskilling opportunities, hands-on experience, and the chance to apply learned skills in practice. This not only benefits the programme participants but also engages the wider community through self-produced shows and music as well as providing valuable opportunities for young and emerging artists. The two new rounds highlight audiences that Ignite will be working with for the first time in Pōneke, and for those 18-25 years old in Tāmaki Makaurau. IGNITE PŌNEKE - 15-18 YEAR OLDS BIG FAN has partnered with the Toi Rauwhārangi at Massey University to pilot Ignite in Pōneke for the first time. Having successfully run multiple intakes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Ignite has fostered the growth of creative rangatahi for the previous six years. This collaboration aims to bring the same opportunities to nurture the next generation of creative professionals in Pōneke for this free programme. IGNITE TĀMAKI MAKAURAU - 18-25 YEAR OLDS Another first that Ignite will be offering is an intake in Auckland for those aged 18-25. The team at BIG FAN aim to offer creatives in this age range that any time is the perfect time to enter the industry, and growing a community of people with the passion and skillset to become game changers is vital with the state of the industry at the moment. As a contribution to the programme, there is a small fee to take part in the 18-25 round of Ignite - however scholarship placements for those experiencing financial hardship are available. IGNITE runs 1 September - 23 October. Applications are open NOW and close on 4 August. All the info & to apply: Tāmaki Makaurau: https://lnkd.in/gWcQFwAH Pōneke: https://lnkd.in/g9MPJ33x Ngā mihi to Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage and our partner in Pōneke Toi Rauwhārangi at Massey University for making Ignite possible.

Had a lovely korero with Corey Fleming from New Zealand Herald about Fan Camp, one of our initiatives at BIG FAN. This was an extra special one on a personal level, curated for Pan-Asian music people in Aotearoa. Ngā mihi NZ On Air and APRA AMCOS for helping to make this important initiative happen, and 818 for helping us to tell the story.