Press Release
May 18, 2024
Melbourne Ikebana Festival Proposes New Possibilities of Ikebana from Melbourne!
The Melbourne Ikebana Festival is set to enchant attendees from September 5, 2024. This event will unite Ikebana artists not only from Japan and Vietnam but also from diverse corners of the globe. International musicians and skilled ceramic artists will also be part of this unique festival in the heart of Melbourne. Expect a rich tapestry of Ikebana-related activities and immerse yourself in the captivating displays.
Calling all talented exhibitors worldwide to participate in the prestigious Ikebana Exhibition – come and share your love of Ikebana with us.
Event Details
Save the dates from September 5th to 8th for the Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival, proudly organized under the guidance of CEO Shoso Shimbo and his team. This immersive event will unfold across prestigious venues including the Melbourne Recital Centre, Abbotsford Convent, and Beleura House in Mornington.
Despite its introduction over 50 years ago, Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, has yet to fully bloom in the hearts of Melbournians. To bridge this gap, we've organized a wide array of events to introduce Ikebana to a wider audience. This year, our focus is on the relevance of Ikebana in contemporary society.
Events include flower exhibitions, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, Ikebana performances, an exquisite dinner show, an enlightening presentation on Ikebana's therapeutic benefits, the prestigious Ikebana Container Award, and an Ikebana-style wedding bouquet contest.
Join us as we celebrate Ikebana's timeless beauty and explore its modern significance.
Three Main Events Featuring International Guests
1. Ikebana Performance: Hanadayori Night
Embark on a sensory journey as we unveil the exquisite Hanadayori Collection perfume series crafted by Metascent, accompanied by a live Ikebana performance by Shoso Shimbo. Joining Shoso is the internationally acclaimed classical guitarist, Slava Grigoryan, adding a melodic touch to the immersive experience.
- Event Name: "Ikebana Performance: Hanadayori Night"
- Duration: September 7, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Venue: Melbourne Recital Centre
- Website: Link
2. Hiroe Swen Ceramic Art Exhibition
We are very lucky to have internationally acclaimed ceramic artist Hiroe Swen, an Order of Australia recipient join us this year. Her solo exhibition will run alongside the Melbourne Ikebana Container Competition. Ms Swen will present the “Hiroe Swen Award" in person to the winner of the competition.
- Event Name: "Hiroe Swen Ceramic Art Exhibition"
- Duration: September 7 & 8, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Salon, Abbotsford Convent
- Website: Link
3. Ikebana Dinner Show by Oshun Tsukagoshi
Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at Beleura House, a jewel among Melbourne's Historical Houses & Gardens, while witnessing the graceful artistry of guest artist from Japan, Oshun Tsukagoshi, the Headmaster of Ikebana Shofu as he brings elegant ikebana creations to life before your eyes.
- Event Name: “Ikebana Dinner Show"
- Duration: September 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Venue: Beleura House, Mornington
- Website: Link
Other Events:
Ikebana Shofu Exhibition
Our free ikebana exhibition is the chief event of the festival. This year it will feature 20 artists representing the Shofu school of Ikebana, including Iemoto (head master of the school) Oshun Tsukagoshi from Japan.
Hana-Awase (Ikebana with Mozart)
Two teams of ikebana artists will compete in a Hana-Awase style performance to live music by the musicians of the renowned Orchestra 21.
Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award
Discover the beauty and elegance of the winning designs at this year's Bridal Ikebana Bouquet Award, where traditional Japanese floral artistry meets contemporary bridal fashion. Brides-to-be will be our judges.
Ikebana Demonstration
Under the theme of "Ikebana for restaurants and cafes", selected ikebana artists will take 6 minutes each to demonstrate their work.
Ikebana Container Award
This award calls for ceramic artists to create a container for Ikebana works, highlighting the importance of containers as a complement to the beauty of Ikebana floral arrangements. Hiroe Swen will select the winner.
The Organiser
The organizer of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival is Tsubo Melbourne Pty Ltd.
Contact
Shoso Shimbo, CEO of Melbourne Ikebana Festival
Shoan Lo, Managing Director
Virginia Fong, Public Relations
wa.ikebana@gmail.com
Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival
Website: https://www.ikebanafestival.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wa.ikebana
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wa.ikebana/
Note to Editors: High-resolution images and additional press materials are available upon request.
