As part of the Counterpoints Moomin 80 commissions for Refugee Week, Gloucester Guildhall presents You Look as Though You Might Be a Relation by Dana Olărescu.
Gloucester Docks
“Hello there!” cried Moomintroll through the storm, to show that he was not afraid. “Hello, hello,” said the sea-troll. “You look as though you might be a relation”.
A floating installation by socially engaged artist Dana Olărescu invites us to reflect on how we welcome newcomers to our city, and form bonds beyond blood ties. Throughout the week, the raft will travel to various locations, with a special launch and a culminating live performance. Join us as we explore belonging, family, and community in new and unexpected ways.
The installation has been co-commissioned and co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and Gloucester Guildhall, made possible by the support of Moomin Characters Ltd. in celebration of 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story.
Site 1 – Sat 14 – Tue 18 Jun
Site 2 – Tue 18 – Wed 19 Jun
Site 3 – Thu 20 – Sat 22 Jun
Onto the Water
Date and time TBA
National Waterways Museum, Gloucester Docks
Free, no booking required
Come down and take a look at the raft installation as we witness it setting sail, carrying stories of welcome across the water. A one-of-a-kind moment of adventure awaits.
Moonlit Arrival
Fri 20 Jun, 6pm & 7pm
North Quay Docks, Gloucester Docks
As the moon rises, the Moomin raft will embark on its final journey across the docks. Gather by the water and let the melodies of local artist Zariq Rosita-Hanif float to you on the evening breeze, carried from the raft beneath the midsummer sky.
For those who wish to get closer, a limited number of special tickets will allow you to row out and experience the music up close. Bring your nightlights and join us for a serene and magical farewell as the raft drifts gently into the night.
Moomin Picnic
Sat 21 Jun, 12pm – 6pm
Kings Square
Join us for a Moomin-style picnic to mark the finale of a fantastic week of city-wide events for Refugee Week, part of the Moomins’ 80th-anniversary celebrations.
In response to Dana Olărescu’s floating installation in the docks: You Look as Though You Might be a Relation, the day will celebrate community as a superpower and welcome as a core part of our city’s identity.
Enjoy delicious free tasters, engaging activities, and music from around the world. Bring a picnic – and a small welcoming gift for a stranger.
Welcome Chorus
Sat 14 & Sat 21 Jun 11am – 5pm, Tue 17 – Fri 20 Jun 12pm – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm
Red Isaac, Senior Producer, Gloucester Guildhall, said: “As a dock city, welcoming people seeking sanctuary is built into our story. There is huge pride in this heritage, and the theme of welcoming people features prominently in the work of communities and arts organisations across the city, recognising the transformative and rich contributions of all the cultures that make up Gloucester. The story of welcome, belonging and safety at the heart of the Moomins chime perfectly with Gloucester Guildhall and city’s values. We are delighted to explore and celebrate these important themes in this project with Moomin Characters and Counterpoint Arts.”
Gloucester Guildhall
We will transform our Gallery and Chamber Cinema space into a pop-up book-style welcome. Experience an immersive light and sound installation by Squidsoup & Vilk Collective Welcome Chorus which echoes songs of welcome, belonging and overcoming adversity gathered from communities across Gloucester. Let the soothing melodies and glowing orbs wrap you in a blanket of harmony and comfort in our warm space/snug.
Moomins on Film
Sat 7 Jun
Gloucester Guildhall
Moomins On the Riviera (U), 11am
The Moomins set sail for the Riviera, where, after a journey fraught with storms and desert island dangers, Snorkmaiden is dazzled by the attentions of a playboy and Moomintroll learns that jealousy’s sting is the most painful of all.
TOVE (12A), 2pm
A captivating drama about the creator of the Moomins, her iconic talent and her turbulent search for identity, desire and freedom.
Moomin ABC
Sat 29 Mar – Sun 5 Oct
Museum of Gloucester
Settle down for an hour to explore the magic world of the Moomins with your family and immerse yourself in the adventures of Moominmamma, Sniff, Stinky, Little My, Hodgkins, Snufkin and Snorkmaiden!
The Moomin Gift Shop
Until Oct
Museum of Gloucester
Find beautiful gifts, Tove Jansson prints and cards, official Moomin merchandise, and limited edition Moomin 80 items at the Pop-up Moomin Gift Shop at Museum of Gloucester, open Tue-Sun every week.
