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Charity celebrates success of migrant story with opening of new Derby space

A NEW contemporary art space will open in Derby this week, to mark India independence day on Thursday (15) and "celebrate togetherness".

Derby city-based charity Artcore will launch its new city centre location this week, with hopes that it will have a further impact on the local community using visual art.


The upcoming months will see the New Building used as a project exploration space. It will be transformed into a “modern gallery exhibiting local, national and international contemporary art” as well as supporting and showcasing local artists.

It will also feature art workshops for all ages, family activities, events, talks and performances from internationally renowned artists.

Guests are invited to join in the celebrations with a range of creative activities and refreshments on offer.

Founders Ruchita Shaikh and her husband, Zahir have said they hope the space can help to engage with socially disadvantaged groups.

“All we ever wanted was to give socially disadvantaged people the chance to enjoy art and help nurture their talents, health and well-being,’ explained Shaikh, Artcore’s executive director. “Since the start, by offering inspirational creative art programmes, we’ve successfully engaged with some of society’s most vulnerable people. And today, I think we can say that we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”

The pair initially moved to Derby from India ten years ago. Soon after they settled, the couple launched the charity. They hope that their story can help to inspire others and highlight the successes of migrants who come to the UK.

“It’s been a journey, I can tell you that,” Zahir, Art Director of Artcore, said. “But ten years on, we could not be happier.”

The launch will take place on Thursday from 11am to 1pm at Albert Street, Osnabruck Square

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Iran foreign minister's Islamabad visit raises hope of reviving US-Iran talks

The last round of talks was due on Tuesday but never happened

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Iran foreign minister's Islamabad visit raises hope of reviving US-Iran talks

Highlights

  • Pakistani sources say Araqchi's visit could signal a return to US-Iran talks.
  • The last scheduled round collapsed this week after Iran said it was not ready to commit.
  • The Strait of Hormuz remains nearly shut, with only five ships crossing in 24 hours .
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araqchi flew into Islamabad on Friday, raising hopes that broken-down peace talks with the United States could get back on track.
Two Pakistani government sources said his visit may be a sign that negotiations are set to resume, but nothing has been confirmed and the US has yet to respond.
A US logistics and security team was already on the ground in Pakistan ahead of any possible talks.
"Araqchi will tell us what instructions he has when he arrives. All this is speculative," one source said. Iranian state media confirmed Araqchi is also visiting Muscat and Moscow on the same trip, but made no mention of fresh talks with Washington.

The last round of talks was due on Tuesday but never happened. Iran said it was not ready to show up, and the US team led by vice president JD Vance did not leave Washington either.

President Donald Trump then stepped in to extend a two-week ceasefire, buying more time for both sides to get back to the table.

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