Welcome Chorus (2025)
Welcome Chorus is an intimate artwork commissioned by Gloucester Guildhall as part of the Moomin 80 celebrations for Refugee Week.
Created by Squidsoup and Vilk Collective, this immersive light and sound installation echoed songs of welcome, belonging, and overcoming adversity.
The project brought together 453 participants from communities across Gloucestershire, each sharing their voice. Using our bespoke AudioWave orbs and a 30-minute soundscape, the installation transformed the Cinema Chamber at Gloucester Guildhall into a space of warmth, harmony, and connection.
This project was part of a nationwide programme for the Moomin 80th anniversary, supported by the Southbank Centre, the Baltic in Newcastle, and the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, with the four artworks commissioned and produced by Counterpoints Arts
Welcome Chorus featured contributions from an incredible range of local voices and groups, including:
Queer Voices, GARAS, Gloucester Community Choir, Gloucester Folk Choir, Bettridge School, Belmont School, The Milestone School, The Apperley Centre, Alderman Knight School, Paternoster School, Heart of the Forest School, St Roses School, Minpins Children’s Choir, Acapellies Community Choir, Tredworth Infant & Nursery Academy, Widden Primary School, Gloucester Dementia Choir, and Cheltenham Everyman Theatre.
Student support came from the Sound & Music Production course at the University of Gloucestershire with audio engineer and recording assistance from Katie Soppitt, Alvin Pathilparampil Roobi and Oli Hoffman.
With special thanks to Lee Holder and Ceilidh-Jo Rowe at IncFest / The Music Works for their support.
The main installation was co-commissioned and co-produced by Counterpoints Arts and Gloucester Guildhall, made possible through the support of Moomin Characters Ltd., celebrating 80 years since the publication of the first Moomin story.
