You Are Welcome: Parham Ghalamdar, Elaheh Raofi and Laura Decorum
Transform, a City Takeover, Nottingham
‘You Are Welcome’ stands as a collaborative statement from FABRIC, UK New Artists, Parham Ghalamdar, and Elaheh Raofi, showcasing how small gestures can spark the transformation into a more inclusive place.
In June 2024, FABRIC and UK New Artists came together to collaborate on ‘You Are Welcome’, a project that formed part of ‘Transform, a City Takeover’, led by New Art Exchange. ‘Transform’ initiative aimed to position Nottingham as a hub for emerging artists and diverse voices, exploring better support for Global Ethnic Majority talent and leadership.
Commissioned by New Art Exchange, FABRIC and UK New Artists, both champions of underrepresented talent, partnered for this project to explore how small, everyday gestures can contribute to building a more inclusive environment. Artists Parham Ghalamdar and Elaheh Raofi were at the centre of this collaboration, creating a series of functional objects - such as bags and napkins - that could be used by visitors and participants of the Takeover.
Despite coming from different cities, Ghalamdar and Raofi shared experiences of migration and cultural adaptation, which informed their designs. Their work merged personal histories and artistic styles, reflecting the universal importance of feeling welcome and at home.
‘You are Welcome’ developed as a joint statement from the artists and organisations which demonstrated that small gestures can be the key to the beginnings of transforming into a better, more inclusive place. This simple but very immediate communication bypasses the rhetoric which has played out in politics in recent years;” we want people to feel safe and at home here’’.
Later in 2024, artist Laura Decorum reimagined the designs from ‘You Are Welcome’ in a new mural in the heart of Nottingham. Drawing inspiration from the original collaborative work by Parham Ghalamdar and Elaheh Raofi, Decorum expanded on their themes of shared culture and everyday gestures. Her mural incorporates bold, sweeping patterns and vivid colours, transforming the small-scale objects into a larger-than-life visual statement. The mural weaves elements from the original designs, such as shared cultural motifs and organic forms, becoming a permanent part of the city that embodies the project’s lasting impact on the community.
The mural is located on Broad Street, Nottingham, directly opposite the Broadway Cinema, at the corner of Broad Street and Old Lenton Street.
Michelle Bowen, Director of UK New Artists said: ‘’Together with Elaheh, Fabric and Parham, we are delighted to have been part of creating these everyday items which carry such a simple but powerful message. ’’
Dwayne Church-Simms, Curator & Producer at Fabric said: ‘‘It has been a truly enriching partnership with UKNA, watching the collaboration between Elaheh and Parham, which is deep rooted in a shared lived experience. This coming together is at the heart of Transform.”
Saad Eddine Said, CEO and Artistic Director of New Art Exchange said: "We are delighted to have been able to commission this collaboration and are excited to see more cross-collaborations between artists and organisations who take part in the City Takeover. Such partnerships are crucial in our collective mission to foster a culturally rich and inclusive arts community."
About the Artists
Parham Ghalamdar
Parham Ghalamdar (b. 1994, Tehran, Iran) is a painter working and living in Manchester, he graduated from Manchester School of Art in 2021. His work draws on traditions of Persian and Western art, graffiti, internet and digital culture.He recently had a solo exhibition titled "Painting, An Unending" at the main gallery of HOME in Manchester and has show work in Bavan Gallery, Tehran, Iran, the Rebecca Hossack Gallery in London, Castlefield Gallery in Manchester, Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester.
Elaheh Raofi
Elaheh Raofi (b. 1998, Arak, Iran) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East, particularly drawing inspiration from Persian symbols and metaphors. Her art serves as a powerful conduit for advocacy, stirring hearts, inspiring empathy, and igniting change. In honouring the stories of everyday heroes, she celebrates the resilience and diversity of the human experience, inviting viewers to join her in a journey of discovery and reflection. Elaheh will be presenting her current installation titled, PIROUZ the New Generation, as part of the NAE Open 2024.
Laura Decorum
Laura Decorum is a contemporary surrealist painter who is known for her unique blend of dreamlike imagery and bold use of colour. Her work often explores themes of identity and the human experience, with a focus on the subconscious mind and the power of the imagination.
Decorum's paintings are highly evocative and thought-provoking, drawing the viewer into a world of mystery and wonder. Her use of surreal elements and unexpected combinations of imagery creates a sense of unease and disorientation, while also inviting the viewer to explore deeper meaning and symbolism.
About Partner Organisations
FABRIC is a strategic dance development organisation based in the Midlands with sites in Birmingham and Nottingham. FABRIC is created from the formal merger of DanceXchange and Dance4, bringing together over 60 years of combined experience.Working with and for artists, audiences, and communities, our new approach will breathe new life into dance, creating unique, thrilling and ambitious programmes, and contributing to the international arts offer through a rich and diverse programme grown in the Midlands.We are driven by a desire to positively disrupt, to bring about change that ensures a more sustainable and resilient future for dance. For dance to play a greater civic role in the lives of communities across the Midlands. Together, as FABRIC, we are creating new possibilities for dance.
UK New Artists is a nomadic creative development organisation, increasing opportunities for emerging creatives to be seen & heard; empowering artists to develop skills & communicate ideas effectively; helping to ensure a vibrant & diverse future for the UK. We equip artists by providing participation and connection; helping them to be the best they can be.
New Art Exchange (NAE) is the UK’s largest gallery dedicated to contemporary visual arts from the Global Ethnic Majority. We are the first cultural institution worldwide with a permanent citizen assembly as a key part of our leadership structure. Our vision is for talent from the Global Ethnic Majority to be recognised, nurtured, and celebrated. We’re here to champion inclusivity and equity in the creative industries. We do this through talent development, delivered through our Connect-Create-Cultivate-Transform-Exchange model. Together, we want to transform the leadership landscape within the creative industries.
