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If you've ever needed a hand listing your job or making the most out of The Big Idea, then you've probably heard from community and listings manager Lena Kovac.

Starting out as a volunteer, she's been part of The Big Idea family since arriving in New Zealand from Germany in 2009, staying with us while following her career up and down the country.

If you've ever needed a hand listing your job or making the most out of The Big Idea, then you've probably heard from community and listings manager Lena Kovac.

Starting out as a volunteer, she's been part of The Big Idea family since arriving in New Zealand from Germany in 2009, staying with us while following her career up and down the country.

Lena also leads a double life in arts management, was recently part of the creative community in Northland with CHART, and is now the new general manager at Mairangi Arts Centre.

So as part of our 10th birthday celebrations, we thought it was time to introduce you to the team behind the scenes - starting with the lovely Lena (and her dog Lumos)!

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During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?

Around 7am when I take my dog Lumos for a walk.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style? 

In terms of fashion: simple yet elaborate. Like a plain shirt with a huge bow tie. A friend in school commented daily on my outfit and wanted me to give her serious shopping advice. She’d love all those lovely frocks I bought in NZ so far…

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?

To help other creative minds thrive. I love working in and for the creative community.

How does your environment affect your work?

How am I supposed to work back in Germany one day without beach, sun and bush around me??

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?

Definitely big picture, but without getting the details right it would be quite a blurry one.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?

To suss out where exactly you want to go with your business/idea/career, and to get a good network of people behind you. Treat people with respect at all times, you never know when you’re going to need them again.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?

Organising the creative symposium totems & totara at CHART (Culture Heritage Arts Resource Trust) this May - the ripple effects of this event are still noticeable in Whangarei.

Who or what has inspired you recently?

Some Olympians have inspired me for their determination and stamina.

Tell us a bit about your background.

I am originally from Northern Germany where I studied Cultural Studies and Arts Management and worked in various museums and art galleries. In 2009 my partner Oli and I decided to immigrate to New Zealand for a year, and have been here ever since with a residence visa, a dog and a starting career in the arts. How’s that for a change of plan…

Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.

I worked for CHART for the last 1.5 years supporting the creative community in Northland through various projects, marketing and funding advice. I am excited about taking on my new role as General Manager at Mairangi Arts Centre in October, and to return to Auckland from Whangarei. This also means I am closer to the The Big Idea team again which is fantastic. I wouldn’t want to miss being part of the TBI family anymore.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?

I’d probably become a doctor like my mom, or some kind of mathematician or researcher. I love numbers and logical stuff.

What place is always with you, wherever you go?

Home is where the heart is, that’s quite right.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?

Live at a concert - nothing beats that.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?

My dog will probably destroy these things before I can come up with a plan. But if I can get her distracted I’ll quickly make a huge colourful flag and tie it to the roof of my house.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?

Yoga exercises at dawn.

What’s great about today?

That tomorrow is still to come.

What’s your big idea for 2013?

A new challenge lies ahead - it’s all go now.

* * * The Big Idea 10th Birthday Questions * * *

What does The Big Idea mean to you?

The Big Idea has been part of my life in NZ right from the start in late 2009 - hard to imagine a life without it.

What changes have you noticed in Arts Management in the past 10 years?

Arts Managers have to be all-rounders these days - marketers, fundraisers, communicators, salespeople, psychologists, superheros at times…

What are some of the opportunities and challenges for the next decade?

Where to get the money from - developing creative ways to fund the arts are key. Plus audience development - taking people on a journey with you rather than focusing on the next event only.