In this episode we will be taking a deep dive into how the Commonwealth has influenced art and culture, and how art has the power to initiate conversation and positive change.

We will be speaking to the 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s baton designer and Midlands based artist Laura Nyahuye, about the work behind the Baton project and how her Zimbabwean heritage influenced the design.

We’ll also be talking to Louise Lansdown, who was born and raised in South African. Louise is now Head of Strings at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and discusses the need for change, better representation and diversity in music curriculums.

You’ll also hear from Maryam Wahid, a British Pakistani photographer and artist, who tells us all about how her trip to Pakistan helped her to create an exhibition showcasing her family’s history and how it helped her to better understand her own identity.

Commonwealth Stories is a Laudable production by Birmingham Live.
This episode was written and hosted by Anisah Vasta, Aida Fofana and Matt Millard
Produced, edited and narrated by Matt Millard.
Title music by KIOKO.

Read more about the 2022 Commonwealth Games and sign up to our free newsletter here - www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/commonwealth-games