ALONGSIDE the Queen’s baton relay, which arrived in Winchester on Wednesday, June 6, residents are being encouraged to submit their words to be included in a piece of digital artwork for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Named The Relaytionship, the evolving artwork is inspired by a poem created by spoken word artist Amerah Saleh. The fluid and dynamic design has been developing alongside the Queen’s baton relay. Starting in October, the baton has visited all 72 Commonwealth nations and regions participating in the games.

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The baton returned to England on Monday, July 4 to start its 25 day regional tour finishing at the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony.

In the lead up to opening ceremony of the games on July 28, artist Amerah has been asking communities around the world to answer the questions: “What does home mean to you?” and “What does incredible mean to you?”

It’s now Winchester’s turn to submit their contributions by answering the above questions to become part of this piece of art.

Amerah Saleh said: “The responses we’ve seen so far have been nothing short of inspirational, and as the Relaytionship has evolved, it’s clear that despite our differences, we are all more connected than we think.

“As the Commonwealth Games approach, we want to hear from the people of Winchester and we encourage them to become part of this truly exciting project.”

The finished piece will be revealed during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games before being hosted at a prestigious cultural venue in central Birmingham.

The games will include 11 days of sporting celebrations and competition in Birmingham and West Midlands venues, finishing on August 8.

Becky Frall, Head of Tourism at the West Midlands Growth Company, said: “The Relaytionship is a truly special piece of artwork that is bringing communities across the globe together ahead of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. As the Relaytionship and the Queen’s Baton Relay near completion, we look forward to receiving lots of contributions from Winchester residents.

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“The final artwork will be displayed in the West Midlands to coincide with the Games, and we look forward to welcoming people from home and abroad to experience it. The West Midlands is a region bustling with vibrant cities, beautiful countryside, world-class tourism venues, engaging attractions and diverse arts and culture – and there’s never been a better time to visit.”

The Relaytionship by Amerah Saleh:

We are tiny galaxies that pass each other quietly

We know when to come together

When to stand behind one another

We are multiple worlds colliding

Ready to embrace

Put the sun in your suitcase

Put the maps of the places you’re going to away

We are your tour guides

We’ll show you the architecture of our youth

The back to backs of our histories

The gardens of our stories

This galaxy is a combination of dreams and nightmares

At least we know that

We get up every morning

Continue to build on the shoulders of our heroes

Spin our world around

Tell us we are not the greatest

But we are in the middle of greatness.

Tell us what incredible is and we will provide?.....

We are the place you breathe at a human pace

The beauty of the capital

But the peace of a second

We can be children again

Tongues out at funfairs

Lollipops for being brave

To travel to another place

And find something new

What does home mean to you?......

For more information on the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games go to birmingham2022.com/qbr

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