Artist and BCVA director Anand Chhabra was commissioned by the Living Memory Project in partnership with Sandwell Council to create a series of portraits celebrating community champions and unsung heroes from across the borough.
The project, titled “Our Commonwealth,” invited local communities to nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to community life in Sandwell. These nominees represent people whose dedication, voluntary work and commitment to helping others have made a positive impact within their neighbourhoods.
Through a series of photographic portraits, the project highlights the diversity and strength of the Sandwell community while recognising individuals whose work often takes place quietly behind the scenes. During the process of photographing the nominees, Anand was struck by the generosity and dedication of the individuals involved, many of whom volunteer their time to support others within their communities.
The exhibition launched in July 2022 to coincide with the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, celebrating the values of community, connection and shared heritage that the Games sought to highlight across the region.
The portraits were presented in a series of exhibitions across Smethwick, Bearwood and Tipton, bringing the work directly into local community venues so that residents could see and celebrate the achievements of people from their own neighbourhoods.
The exhibitions also marked an important moment of reconnection following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, offering communities the opportunity to come together again through art and storytelling.
More portraits from the project can be viewed via the link on our main page.
Participants & audiences view the portraits by BCVA director and artist Anand Chhabra from ‘Our Commonwealth’ at Bearwood hub July 22 All images © BCVA.
Geoff Broadway from Living Memory project opens up proceedings for the launch of ‘Our Commonwealth’ to packed out venues across the BC region.