Moominhouse at Southbank Centre

The Moominhouse installation by Woodland Tribe with Nabil Amini was co-commissioned and co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and the Southbank Centre, made possible by the support of Moomin Characters Ltd. in celebration of 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story.

“Journey into the marvellous world of the Moomins and discover the famous sights of Moominvalley brought to life at Southbank Centre by the Woodland Tribe, Nabil Amini and their little helpers ahead of Refugee Week. Visit the Moominhouse with its collection of paintings and furniture that fill the house from floor to ceiling, and take a trip to the Pier, the Bridge and the Bathing House in a special Moomin staycation.”

Woodland Tribe go all over the UK promoting adventure play and child lead building. You may have seen their work at the Tate Modern, Compton Verney Art Gallery or leading UK festivals like Glastonbury or Shambala. Nabil Amini is a member of the Bristol Refugee Artists Collective and he uses art to express himself emotionally, as well as constructively help others, which is communicated through his focus on nature and humans to represent and showcase the positivity of art, as well as show the lives of different people.

Programme included:

-The Build (with invited young people)
-Moomin 80 Open House : Explore Woodland Tribe’s Moominhouse by the Thames
-Moomin 80 Play, Make, Dream : Children, bring your parents, carers, grandparents and everyone in between to help out on this big build.
-From Afghan Valleys to Moominvalley with Nabil Amini : Printmaking to help decorate the Moomin house
-Moomin 80: Everybody Is Welcome! : Music, storytelling and a party fit for Moominvalley

Tom Williams of Woodland Tribe commented: “We really valued this opportunity. It really has been the pinnacle of my career and Woodland Tribe’s history! To work on an international stage has been amazing. To work with Moomin Characters, Southbank and Counterpoints and all the other artists and venues has been really special.”

Ruth Hardie, Head of Public Programming at Southbank Centre, added: “It was a really successful project: big audiences, loads of engagement, and very positive responses!”