Moomin 80 x Refugee Week 2025 – Refugee Week
Moomin Characters and Counterpoints Arts are delighted to announce our plans, as part of Refugee Week 2025, to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the first Moomin story, The Moomins and the Great Flood, which was originally published in 1945 by the acclaimed Finnish artist, illustrator and writer Tove Jansson.
Since their debut, the Moomin books have inspired generations worldwide with their messages of inclusiveness, kindness and belonging. Under the theme “The Door is Always Open” – referring to the door of the Moominhouse, which offers shelter, comfort and security to all who seek it – new and returning fans alike are invited to join in celebrations which will including charitable fundraisers, fan competitions, new books, a film, product launches and much more.
The four artworks have been co-commissioned and will be co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and partners around the UK: Southbank Centre in London, The Baltic in Gateshead, Gloucester Guildhall, and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. They have selected:
- Southbank Centre, London: Woodland Tribe, with Nabil Amini
- The Baltic, Gateshead: Henna Asikainen, with Roua Horanieh
- Gloucester Guildhall: Dana Olărescu
- Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture: Basel Zaraa
The artworks will appear in May and June 2025 and will be supported by a range of community programming, Refugee Week resources and activations.