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."

 

Rob Bailis on Leadership, Music & the Vision Behind BroadStage

Interview with Rob Bailis – Artistic & Executive Director of BroadStage

Rob Bailis became the Artistic and Executive Director of BroadStage in Santa Monica in 2019, bringing with him a rare combination of experience as a classical musician, curator, and theatre director. Prior to this role, Rob spent ten years as a professional clarinetist before transitioning into arts leadership. He later served as Interim Artistic Director and Associate Director of Cal Performances at the University of California, Berkeley, where he led the planning and curatorial vision for one of the most respected presenting organizations in the United States.

At Cal Performances, Rob curated an extensive range of dance, theatre, and music productions, working closely with long-standing artistic partners such as Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Mark Morris Dance Group, Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra, and Kronos Quartet. At the same time, he was deeply committed to introducing new and international voices to Berkeley stages, presenting artists and companies including Kidd Pivot, Rude Mechs, Trajal Harrell, Camille A. Brown and Dancers, Manual Cinema, Bassem Youssef, Handspring Puppet Company, and Company Wang Ramirez, among many others.

In our conversation, Rob reflects on his early training as a classical musician and the profound impact of playing in an orchestra. He speaks passionately about the life skills he gained through youth orchestra participation—listening, collaboration, discipline, responsibility, and empathy—and how these skills extend far beyond music into every aspect of life and work. He goes so far as to say that every child would benefit from the experience of playing in an orchestra, regardless of whether they pursue music professionally.

Rob also shares insights into his transition from musician to theatre director, describing how theatre expanded his understanding of storytelling, human connection, and collective creation. He reflects on what he learned from working across disciplines and how these experiences shaped his curatorial and leadership approach.

In discussing his current role at BroadStage, Rob explains the vision behind the institution and its evolving mission. BroadStage is a contemporary performing arts center dedicated to presenting bold, inclusive, and globally engaged work across music, dance, theatre, and interdisciplinary performance. Located at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, BroadStage places a strong emphasis on community engagement, artistic excellence, and accessibility. Under Rob’s leadership, BroadStage has continued to expand its role as a cultural hub—supporting both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging voices, fostering dialogue, and creating space for diverse stories and perspectives to be shared on stage.

This interview offers a thoughtful look at how early artistic experiences shape leadership, how skills learned through music and theatre translate into broader life contexts, and how arts institutions can remain responsive, relevant, and deeply connected to their communities.

The artist's voicePetra SittigRob Bailis, Broad Stage, Artistic Director