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."

 

Creating Beauty, Building Community: The Love Howick Story with Matt Hogarty

In this inspiring online interview, we speak with Matt Hogarty, founder and Director of Love Howick, a transformative community initiative based in the small town of Howick, nestled in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. What began as a humble litter cleanup effort by a small group of passionate residents has grown into a powerful movement aimed at improving the quality of life for everyone in the town — one brushstroke at a time.

Matt shares the remarkable journey of Love Howick, detailing how the team went from cleaning streets to painting them with vibrant murals, uplifting spaces with street art, and turning neglected areas into places of pride and beauty. At the core of their work is the belief that art has the power to connect people, restore dignity, and spark civic pride. Through collaborative projects with local artists, schools, and volunteers, the initiative has turned Howick into a canvas of hope and creativity.

In our conversation, Matt reflects on the importance of using art as a tool for social change. He emphasizes how creative expression not only beautifies public spaces but also plays a critical role in uniting communities across divides — a lesson that resonates deeply in the South African context. According to Matt, initiatives like Love Howick could serve as a blueprint for towns across the country seeking to address social fragmentation and urban decay.

The interview also delves into the importance of art education. Matt passionately advocates for the inclusion of arts in schools, arguing that children need opportunities to express themselves through painting, music, dance, and other creative outlets. These skills, he says, foster confidence, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence — essential tools for any path in life.

We also explore some of Love Howick’s signature projects, including:

The Howick Falls Precinct Revival: Revamping one of the town’s most iconic landmarks through community-driven design and public art installations.

Wall Murals and Street Art Initiatives: Collaborating with local artists and youth to turn blank walls into storytelling platforms.

School Engagement Programs: Partnering with educators to integrate art into the curriculum and organize community art days for children.

Clean-Up and Beautification Days: Ongoing volunteer events that combine environmental care with creative expression, showing the power of collective action.

Through his storytelling, Matt illustrates how seemingly small acts — picking up litter, painting a wall — can ripple outward to create lasting, systemic change. This interview is a celebration of community spirit, the transformative power of creativity, and the belief that every town, no matter how small, has the potential to become a place of beauty, connection, and pride.

https://lovehowick.org.za/



The artist's voicePetra SittigLove Howick, Community projects, creative expression, art in schools