Petra Sittig Photography - Vienna, Austria
Petra Sittig Photography - Photoshoots for Artists and Professionals
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The artist's voice -Podcast

The Artist's voice is a platform for artists to talk about and showcase their form of art. Inviting all artists to express their love for what they do and use this platform to give an insight into their world. All dancers, choreographers, teachers, musicians, singers, composers, creators of art; this is the place to show and tell.

The Artist’s voice

Inspired during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, my project was sparked by witnessing the struggles of my children, ballet dancers at the Vienna State Opera, unable to practice their craft due to isolation. Initially a small photography endeavor, capturing artists at their windows, it swiftly transformed into a symbol of solidarity for the arts community.

The repercussions of this pandemic will echo throughout the artistic and cultural sectors for years to come. Thus, I felt compelled to shed light on the plight of creative individuals and organizations, advocating for their recognition and support. Through this project, I aimed to amplify artists' voices, offering a platform for their stories and perspectives. If they can't grace the stage, they should still be seen and heard.

Vienna, a bastion of culture, served as a fitting backdrop for my efforts, with its rich artistic heritage and diverse community. I've photographed over 500 artists, including musicians, dancers, and opera stars, alongside ambassadors from various nations, all standing in solidarity with Vienna's artistic community.

The arts, often overlooked, are integral to society's fabric, shaping our collective identity and enriching our lives. They transcend language and borders, offering solace and inspiration in times of turmoil. By spotlighting Vienna's cultural legacy, I hope to instill a greater appreciation for the arts worldwide. Moreover, I've witnessed firsthand the resilience of artists in the face of adversity. Despite canceled performances and financial hardships, their unwavering passion for their craft fuels a newfound creativity. Their optimism is palpable, radiating hope through every photograph.

Through this project, I aim to educate future generations on the importance of the arts, advocating for its integration into education systems worldwide. By nurturing creativity and fostering appreciation for the arts, we can build a more empathetic and harmonious society.Ultimately, my goal is to spark dialogue and action, ensuring that the arts and artists are valued and supported in our modern world. Through interviews with artists globally, I seek to understand their experiences and explore solutions for securing the future of the arts.

In essence, this project is a testament to the resilience and vitality of the human spirit, as embodied by artists around the world. Their stories remind us of the transformative power of art and the boundless possibilities it offers for a brighter future."

 

Business as a Creative Practice: Creativity, Leadership & Human-Centred Thinking | Anna Masalin

In this conversation, I speak with Anna Masalin, Managing Director of Tulos in Helsinki, whose professional journey beautifully bridges art, culture, education, and business.

Anna has a background in Art History, which she studied in the UK, and we talk about how the Erasmus programme almost took her to Rome as well. Being exposed to different cultures at a young age helped shape her worldview, and Anna reflects on how these early international and cultural experiences later became a strong asset in her career. Looking back, she can clearly see how living and studying across borders nurtured adaptability, curiosity, and an openness that continues to inform her leadership today.

We also talk about her childhood in Helsinki, where the school she attended placed a strong emphasis on music education as part of the curriculum. With many opportunities to study and engage with music, this became the starting point for her creative way of thinking. Anna shares her deep belief in the value of music within the education system and the essential role it plays in a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. Music, she explains, is not just about learning an instrument, but about developing listening skills, empathy, discipline, and creative confidence.

A central theme of our conversation is the idea that business itself is a creative act. Anna sees creativity not as something separate from strategy or structure, but as the very force that enables problem-solving, innovation, and meaningful change. She believes that we are all inherently creative, even though we express that creativity in vastly different ways — through art, leadership, communication, systems thinking, or decision-making. 

We also explore how her background in Art History gives her a broader perspective on the present. Studying history, movements, and patterns allows her to recognise how today’s challenges are often repetitions or evolutions of past ideas. This long-view perspective helps her navigate complex situations with greater awareness, reminding us that understanding where we come from can offer clarity about where we are going.

Anna shares her thoughts on what could become possible if we were willing to let go of outdated models and rigid ways of thinking — particularly in business and organisational culture. She advocates for bringing creativity back into leadership, alongside human-centred thinking, empathy, and trust. In her view, the impact of the individual within an organisation should never be underestimated; meaningful change often begins with people who are encouraged to think differently and act authentically.

I truly enjoyed this conversation with Anna and deeply admire her thoughtful, creative approach to business — one that values culture, humanity, and imagination as essential tools for shaping sustainable and forward-thinking organisations.

 
The artist's voicePetra SittigBusiness, leadership, communications, creative approach, Anna Masalin