“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.
Throughout Refugee Week the raft will travel to various locations in Gloucester. Join us on its journey.
Sat 14 Jun - Sun 22 Jun
Free, no booking required
Gloucester Docks
Special events alongside the artwork
Canal & River Trust are running several events while the artwork is in the Docks:
Language Exchange Walk
Wed 18 Jun, 11am
National Waterways Museum
Led by Canal and River Trust volunteers, this is a guided walk along the canal towpath starting from the National Waterways Museum Gloucester Docks. Encouraging people of all languages to come together and share connection by the water and the floating artwork. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Paddling Taster Sessions
Sat 21 Jun
Gloucester Docks
Guided paddle sessions led by Canal and River Trust volunteers offering the opportunity to paddle up to the “You look as though you might be a relation” installation and experience a journey on the water.
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.
Lead artist : Dana Olărescu
Supporting artist: Zariq Rosita-Hanif
Partners: Gloucester Action for refugees and asylum seekers (GARAS), Canal and River Trust (CRT)
Raft plans: Dominic Mills (T. Nielsen)
Raft carpenter: Daren Drew
Free workshop space and support: T.Nielsen
Sail fabrication: Alan Robinson (Performance sails)
Sail screen printing: Tim Le Breuilly (Luddite Press)
With contribution from communities supported by Glos College, CPP, Fairshares, Young Glos, Adult Education in Gloucestershire, Amanah CIC, Emma Willis Sewing Studio, Friendship Café and Zariq Rosita-Hanif
Supporting partners
