Our Commonwealth: People of Sandwell

We are delighted to announce our new Arts Council England and SMBC-funded project Our Commonwealth. The Living Memory Project is teaming up with Sandwell Advocacy to celebrate the rich diversity of Sandwell using story, photography and film and we want you to get involved.

To mark the staging of Commonwealth Games 2022, we will be creating a new photographic exhibition and an accompanying film to highlight the extraordinary contributions made by ordinary people across Sandwell who make it the rich and vibrant place it is today. In particular, we will be working with individuals and communities who have links to countries from across the globe.

What’s happening?

Photographer Anand Chhabra will work with 25 community-nominated participants to produce a series of contemporary portraits and recorded stories that will be exhibited at venues across Sandwell in May/June 2022

Filmmaker Joseph Potts will produce a new film with individuals and groups across Sandwell to explore themes of community, belonging and commonwealth.

A series of creative workshops with community groups and local schools to explore aspects of photography, family history and personal artefacts.

Call for nominations

We are looking for nominations for 25 individuals who have contributed to making Sandwell the warm and supportive place it is today. Their contributions could be in the area of family, caring, education, sports, the voluntary sector, health, the emergency and welfare services, or something else!

Do you know someone who you think should be recognised for who they are and what they do? You can nominate yourself!

What will happen

25 individuals will be selected from all the nominations who will be invited to have their portrait made with Anand and to record some of their life stories with the project team.

Do you know anyone who should be nominated?

Please view the website to completed a very simple form below or if you prefer, email – geoff@livingmemory.live