Jamiel Devernay-Laurence is a Producer of dance-based experiences for stage, screen, events, in education and professional development.
Read MoreThe 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."
"Mia Zabelka is a noise artist, composer, experimental violinist and vocalist from Vienna. She studied the violin with Alexander Arnekov at the Vienna Conservatory and composition and electroacoustic music at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna
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"Evelyne Tollman Werzowa is originally from South Africa. She is an actress, writer, and producer. Evelyn has written and produced three plays and received an LA Weekly pick of the week.
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Fanie de Jager's involvement in various productions and performances highlights his dedication to his craft and his versatility as a singer in both classical and lighter genres.
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In 2015 Lucho Pellegirini was having a hard time getting a washboard for a gig. With just a broken washboard frame on hand, Lucho turned to his cousin Rodri, an engineer, who helped him hack together a ribbed metal panel to get by for the gig. It worked like a charm!
"Dollie Henry MBE has led a respected career of 45 years as a performer, choreographer, creative theatre director and educator and is recognised as one of the most formidable exponents of Artistic Jazz Dance and creative theatre dance and movement direction in the UK and beyond.
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Landon’s passion for performing and love of making audiences laugh originated in his grandparents' dining room, as he put on holiday skits for relatives.
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"The young South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu is already entering the international spotlight with her shimmering vocal quality and technique, boundless musicality,
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Esther Sévérac was born in Geneva Switzerland and studied classical harp at the Hochschule für Musik Basel with renowned harpist Prof. Sarah O'Brien.
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Christoph Mooser is the lead singer and songwriter of the bands "Reverend Stomp" and "Kong Fusion" based in Vienna.
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Ann Vanhie is a Learning & Development Facilitator in Vlerick Business School (Belgium). She is working in the team “Customized Programmes
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Jon Mortimer graduated from the Birmingham Conservatoire having studied composition, conducting and piano with the renowned concert pianist Frank Wibaut.
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Eva Oskarsdottir, the Islandic Actress, director and producer, based in Vienna. She trained at Ivana Chubbuck’s Studio in LA and also had Meisner Technique, Grotowski, Le Theatre Laboratorium and Commedia Dell’Art, training in Austria.
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South African based dramatic coloratura soprano, Michelle Veenemans, hailed as “The Nightingale of South Africa” by the South African media,
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Marion Schramm is a production designer and art director who has worked on numerous films, most prominently Verdingbub, Marcello Marcello , Akte Grüninger and Youth.
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Laurence B.Graham, Leadership development specialist and consultant is a former senior check Check Captain of the Airbus A350 / A340 / A330 Fleet in South Africa.
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For more than 15 years Martin Kluge was a regular face on German television as a lead in 3 different television series.
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Hannalie Taute, an artist from South Africa, was a finalist in the ABSA l’Atelier exhibition and a nominee for the Fiesta awards in 2012, 2015 and 2017.
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