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."

 

From Vanderbijlpark to the World | Jaco Verwey on Rocking the Vaal, Community & Resilience

Some interviews are personal. This one is especially close to my heart because Vanderbijlpark is my hometown, the place where I was born and grew up, and still the place I return to whenever I am back in South Africa.

In this interview, I speak with Jaco Verwey, organiser of Rocking the Vaal and spokesperson for the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce, about a town on the banks of the Vaal River, its people, its challenges and its remarkable resilience.


Jaco shares the story behind Rocking the Vaal, a family-friendly music, food and community festival that has grown into something much bigger than a music event. With its Guinness World Record attempts, charity initiatives and involvement of local businesses, universities, sponsors and community organisations, the festival brings people together around a shared sense of achievement, while putting the Vaal region on the map.


We also talk about Vanderbijlpark itself and the economic difficulties that have deeply affected the community, particularly the contraction and restructuring of ArcelorMittal South Africa and the surrounding heavy industries. Yet, as Jaco describes, the people of the Vaal have something that cannot easily be measured: a strong sense of community, generosity and the resilience to keep moving forward.

At the heart of our conversation is a simple but powerful idea: when a community comes together, it can change the story being told about its home.

For me, this conversation was also an opportunity to look back at the place that shaped me, and to celebrate the people who continue to believe in the Vaal and its future.


Every artist has a story worth hearing.


https://www.tsogosun.com/whatson/rocking-the-vaal/


If you've enjoyed The Artist's Voice, you're invited to support the project through https://buymeacoffee.com/petrasittig

Every coffee helps keep meaningful conversations with artists brewing.

Thanks for listening, watching, and cheering on the arts! 


The Inspiration by Keys of Moon | https://soundcloud.com/keysofmoon

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/ 


From Vanderbijlpark to the world- Jaco Verwey on Rocking the Vaal
Petra Sittig/Jaco Verwey
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The artist's voicePetra SittigRocking the vaal, Vanderbijlpark, Festival, Jaco Verwey