Crucial Moves
Visitors to the Glucksman are invited to experience a foyer exhibition of artworks which emerged from the creative process of Crucial Moves Collective
For more information about Crucial Moves at Cork Midsummer Festival, click here
In April 2026, the newly established Crucial Moves Collective, bringing together young creatives with lived experience of migration, displacement and seeking sanctuary, alongside artists working across diverse disciplines, travelled by bus from Cork to Donegal on a moving residency. Exploring themes of movement, identity, home, community and land, the group collaborated to create a body of multidisciplinary work spanning audio, photography, film, poetry, music, visual art and participatory practice. This work is now shared across Cork Midsummer Festival through Crucial Moves, a series of exhibitions, performances, conversations and public events.
At Crucial Space in The Glucksman, visitors are invited to experience artworks that emerged from this collective journey as part of the wider series of events and art trail.
Interactive Jackets
Designed by the younger artists, these jackets feature embedded audio reflections. Visitors are invited to remove the jackets from their hangers, try them on and listen to each artist’s voice by scanning the QR codes. Created by Samar Alloush, Shana Katjimune, Edwin Uzor, Nikoloz Chilichava, Nader Alloush, Gregory Salami, Khanyi Mpofu, Obinna Michael Imo, Colman Mkindi, Elton Sibanda and Lulit Luis.
Collage Banner
A collection of artworks, photographs, writing, reflections and fragments gathered throughout the residency. Designed by Kate O’Shea.
Experimental Film
A Super 8 film with accompanying experimental audio reflecting the residency experience. Shot and compiled by Artem Trofimenko.
Analogue Photography
A selection of photographs capturing moments from the residency, created using cameras borrowed from The Slow Camera Exchange library. Produced by Artem Trofimenko in collaboration with the Crucial Moves artists.
The Crucial Moves Mixtape
A layered audio journey of field recordings, sounds, songs, poetry and creative responses woven together with original music exploring movement, migration, belonging and community. Arranged by Orri McBrearty and featuring original compositions by the artist.
The Crucial Moves Collective are: Helen O’Keeffe, Raphael Olympio, Kate O’Shea, Nader Alloush, Samar Alloush, Nikoloz Chilichava, Claire Coughlan, Elaine Howley, Obinna Michael Imo, Shana Katjimune, Lulit Luis, Ciarán MacArtain, Cliff Masheti, Orri McBrearty, Colman Mkindi, Khanyi Mpofu, Gavin O’Cleirigh, Fionnuala O’Connell, Jessica W. Patterson, Gregory Salami, Elton Sibanda, Artem Trofimenko, Edwin Uzor, SwanIGuess and baby Kitty.
Crucial Moves is produced by Helen O’Keeffe and supported by the Arts Council Young People, Children and Education Project Award, Cork Midsummer Festival, Creativity & Change, Sauti Studio/Cork Migrant Centre, and the many artists, communities and organisations who have contributed their time, resources and spaces.
The Crucial Space exhibition runs until 26th June 2026.
