Crucial Moves

A community of young creatives whose families came to Ireland seeking sanctuary, and who navigate growing up here from an intersectional position, working collaboratively to create work that centres their stories and perspectives.

Crucial Moves was conceived by artist Helen O’ Keeffe (Creativity & Change) in collaboration with Raphael Olympio (Sauti Studio) and a trusted community of arts and cultural practitioners. Developed through a travelling residency from Cork to Donegal in April 2026, Crucial Moves brought together practising and emerging artists from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds to explore connections to self, home, Ireland and community and develop a multi-disciplinary body of artwork reflecting these themes.

Supported by the Arts Council

Crucial Space: Exhibition and art trail
The Glucksman and across Cork City
12 – 21 June (Launch 16 June 3pm)

Crucial Views: Premiere of the Crucial Moves Documentary directed by SwanIGuess and experimental video work by Artem Trofimenko / The Slow Camera Exchange.
The Pavilion
17 June, 7pm – 9.30pm | €5

I.D.E.A. Exchange
Studio 4, MTU Crawford College of Art & Design, 46 Grand Parade, Cork, T12 VN56
18 June, 10am-12.30pm

Focusing on access practices that support diversity and inclusion across art forms, this I.D.E.A. Exchange will bring together voices of emerging artists and arts workers, highlighting Crucial Moves Collective, Midsummer Youth Assembly and Young Printmakers. An initiative of Cork City Council Arts Office, this I.D.E.A. Exchange is presented in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival, Cork Printmakers and MTU Creativity and Change.

Free but spaces limited, book here.

Crucial Sounds: Hear the Crucial Moves Mixtape, with poetry by O’Bhéal go Béal and experimental sounds by the collective.
Plugd Records
18 June, 7pm – 10pm

Crucial Conversations: Chats on culture, systems & spaces with the Crucial Moves Collective and Financial Justice Ireland. In person at My Goodness at the Quay Coop and broadcast live on Éist.radio. This will be followed by a broadcast of our Crucial Moves Mixtape.
My Goodness & live on éist radio
Friday 19 June, 7-9pm

Crucial Studio: Creative workshops for young people by the Crucial Moves Collective at SoundBurst.
Fitzgerald’s Park 
20 June, 12pm – 5pm

Crucial Vibes: Block party with the Crucial Moves Collective and surprise guests.
TEST SITE & live on éist radio
20 June, 7pm – 9pm | €5