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."

Chanda VanderHart and Rima Al Juburi - Talespin musical Fairy tales: Morgiana and the 40 Thieves

"The idea is that the music is quality enough and that the illustrations are fun enough so that the whole family can enjoy it", says Chanda VanderHart. Together with Rima Al-Juburi who is the illustrator of the story "Morgiana and the 40 Thieves", they are working towards raising funds to get the music recorded and the book published of the wonderful project "Talespin -Musical Tales for Big and Small." The idea was to bring family entertainment to Austria originally, because we felt that there's a wonderful classical music scene and there's children's events, but there's not a lot where everyone is going to have a good time." These projects are so valuable for bringing music back into our homes. This musical and visual project is aimed for young and old and it's a great way of sharing music and stories together as a family. Hear more about the wonderful artwork that Rima did for this project as well as how she felt she grew in confidence in her illustrating since the project started in 2008. Chanda also shares her story of how she started in music and her journey as a pianist. Feel free to support this wonderful work. Find the link below.

Chanda's shout out goes to her favourite Restaurant in Vienna: Ludwig und Adele Rima's shout out goes to Kent restaurant for their wonderful breakfasts

https://wemakeit.com/projects/morgiana-and-the-40-thieves

https://talespin.info/

https://chandavanderhart.com/

https://www.7eun.com/

RESTAURANTS

https://ludwigundadele.at/

https://www.kentrestaurant.at/

https://www.facebook.com/talespinmusicalfairytales

https://www.facebook.com/chandavanderhartpianist

https://www.facebook.com/johanna.summereder.5

https://www.facebook.com/7-eyes-Artesigners-145475835512855

https://www.facebook.com/rima.aljuburi