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."

 

Christopher Marney - London City Ballet, honouring the past while heading to a dynamic future

Christopher Marney, the Artistic Director of the newly revived London City Ballet, has long held a deep connection to the company that shaped his early dreams and aspirations. The London City Ballet played a pivotal role in his childhood, sparking his passion for dance when he watched the company perform. The impression those performances left on him was so profound that they fueled his desire to pursue a professional career in dance. This emotional connection to the London City Ballet is what ultimately inspired Marney to revive the company nearly three decades after its closure.

For nearly twenty years, the London City Ballet was one of the most celebrated and successful touring companies in the world. It regularly graced major venues like Sadler’s Wells, captivating audiences with its dynamic performances. The company's reputation soared even higher in 1983 when Diana, Princess of Wales, became its patron. Her enthusiastic support not only elevated the company’s profile but also brought significant attention to its talented dancers. She remained a dedicated patron until 1996, when the company was forced to close due to financial difficulties. The loss of the London City Ballet was deeply felt throughout the dance community, leaving a void that Marney is now determined to fill.

Marney understands the importance of the London City Ballet’s rich history in its revival. To ensure that the new direction of the company respects its past, he has made it a priority to speak with former members and glean insights from those who experienced its heyday. This commitment to honoring the company’s legacy is balanced with Marney’s desire to breathe new life into it, introducing a fresh generation of dancers and revitalizing works by influential choreographers that have disappeared from mainstream repertoires. His vision is not just to bring back the past but to celebrate it by infusing it with contemporary energy and innovation.

Under Marney's leadership, the London City Ballet is set to embark on an ambitious tour schedule, performing for six months each year over an initial three-year period across the UK and internationally. Marney himself has had a distinguished career as a dancer, performing in leading principal roles with some of the world's most renowned companies, including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Balletboyz, Gothenburg Ballet in Sweden, Ballet Biarritz in France, and Bern Ballet in Switzerland. His diverse experience and deep-seated passion for the London City Ballet have uniquely positioned him to lead its revival, honoring its storied past while paving the way for a vibrant future.



The artist's voicePetra SittigLondon City Ballet, Christopher Marney Artistic Director, Ballet dancers