In June 2026, the Commonwealth Foundation issued a call for citizens of the Commonwealth to submit their creative content to form a “creative quilt” to unite us all.
A total of 1,322 pieces of content were chosen, including “The Flame of Shame” which I submitted. The results were announced on Oct 25, 2026.
“Like every well-loved quilt, this one holds rupture and repair,” says Selina Tusitala Marsh, Commonwealth Poet Laureate. “At the end of this month, civil society gathers in Antigua & Barbuda for the 2026 Commonwealth People’s Forum. I’m bringing the quilt with me. It shows what we make when we share our stories instead of waiting for someone else to tell them.”
It is stitched the only way we know how: with the words, gestures and techniques handed down by those who came before us. Here is embroidery that defies. Music that testifies. Paint, cloth, clay, cane, song. Here is grief and gold, loss and the call for justice, heritage held close and hands reaching for something new. Here is a story only the people of the Commonwealth could tell.
1,322: Total creative responses:
778: Written responses.
392: Image responses.
75: Audio responses.
77: Video responses.
View the post: https://bit.ly/4dYFonK
Visit the Gallery: https://bit.ly/4snl9G0