PRESS RELEASE: Refugee Roots X Elahè Raofi to Exhibit at St Mary's Church in the Lace Market as part of Nottingham Light Night

Delneshin: The Art of Persian Rug-Weaving Projected

Refugee Roots X Elahè Raofi to Exhibit at St Mary's Church in the Lace Market as part of Nottingham Light Night, 'Delneshin: The Art Persian Rug-Weaving Projected', showcasing the rich traditions of Persian carpet-making through a modern lens. The artist Elahè has been delivering weekly art sessions with Refugee Roots as part of the Access Art's Programme funded by Nottingham City Council. The piece of work commissioned by Refugee Roots is an invitation for the people of Nottingham to embrace the diversity, culture and creativity of all its residents in the masterpiece on display at both nights of the city's Light Night. 

About the Artists

Elahè Raofi, a multidisciplinary artist, invites audiences into a dynamic world of storytelling, hospitality, and cultural intersection. Elahè’s work explores Middle Eastern and Western visual traditions, using contemporary techniques to pay homage to the historic craft of Iranian carpets and the narratives they hold.

Jamie Rye Potter, an emerging multi-instrumentalist and composer, complements Elahè's visuals with a musical journey drawing from Persian traditions, Western classical music, and digital composition. His symphonic textures immerse audiences in a programmatic experience of Persian identity through sound.

Exploring Persian Identity and Iranian Culture

Delneshin reflects the vital role of Persian carpets in Iranian domestic culture as a platform for storytelling, gathering, and hospitality. By using vivid and non-traditional colours such as pinks, blues, oranges, and yellows, the installation challenges heritage aesthetic conventions while bringing historic Persia to life in a modern setting.

Curated as Part of Refugee Roots’ Access Arts Programme

This exhibition, curated by Elahè Raofi with music by Jamie Rye Potter, forms part of Refugee Roots’ creative arts programme 'Access Arts'. The initiative connects communities through weekly art club sessions held at venues such as the National Justice Museum, City Arts, and Nottingham Playhouse. Supported by the UK Government and Nottingham City Council, this programme fosters social inclusion, cohesion, and diversity.

Visit the Exhibition

'Delneshin' will be featured at St Mary’s in the Lace Market during Nottingham Light Night 2026, 6th and 7th February

In addition, St. Mary's will be hosting a variety of musical performances, creative activities for families and children, and stalls from local organisations in Nottingham. 

Learn More

Sign the Pledge for the Art of Belonging

Take a moment to sign the pledge for the Art of Belonging and demonstrate your support for inclusion and cultural exchange.

ENDS

Media contact: Adam Baker 07462092732  / [email protected]

Adam Baker is available for interview.

 

Images available upon request

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