Immerse Yourself in Japanese Flower Arrangement

Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival

29 & 30 August 2026
Abbotsford Convent

Ikebana Therapy is coming to Melbourne
OFFERED OUTSIDE JAPAN FOR THE FIRST TIME

Exhibitor Guideline - Ikebana Artists

Join our exhibition. All Ikebana Schools Welcome!

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How to Apply - Ikebana Artists

Local, Interstates and International Exhibitors Welcome!

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Welcoming All Ikebana Artists

Benefits of Exhibiting at Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival

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Ikebana Teachers at Wa

Find a reputable ikebana teacher near you

North Balwyn: Sogetsu School

Langwarrin: Sogetsu School

Mount Martha & Abbotsford: Sogetsu School

Murrumbeena: Sogetsu School

Kooyong: Sogetsu School

Sogetsu School

Wentworth Falls, NSW: Sogetsu School

Goulburn, Canberra & Yass, NSW: Sogetsu School

South Turramurra NSW + Online: Sogetsu School (Komon)

Canberra: Sogetsu School

Clunes, NSW: Sogetsu School

Takasaki: Ikebana Shofu

Kyoto: Kado Honnouji

Tokyo: Koryu Shoutoukai

Tokyo: Koryu Kouwakai

Fukuoka: Sogetsu School

Tokyo: Kozan School of Ikebana

Kyoto: Sagagoryu

Fukuoka

Tokyo: Shinsei School

Tokyo: Ikenobo

Tokyo: Sogetsu School

Belgium: Sogetsu School

Ukraine: Ikenobo

Belgium: Sogetsu

Sweden: Sogetsu

France: Sogetsu

Grimbergen, Belgium: Sogetsu School

Brittany, Metropolitan, France: Ikenobo

California: Sogetsu School

Bethesda, USA: Ichiyo School

Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA: The Ichiyo School of Ikebana

Halifax, NS, Canada: Sogetsu School

Vietnam: Sogetsu School

Mumbai, India: Sogetsu School

Hyderabad, India: Ohara School

Hiranmayi Ragam

India: Ohara School of Ikebana

India: Ohara school of ikebana

South Africa: Sogetsu School

Find how to get listed in our directory

Jessica Aszodi & Shoso Shimbo

29 August 2026

Hanadayori: Ikebana by Request

Your Vision. Our Inspiration - Submit Your Request


To be confirmed in June 2026

06:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Ikebana Battle with Canapes & Drinks
Location: Beleura House, Mornington

Ikebana Battle at Historic Beleura House
With canapés and drinks served for one hour before the performance

Experience an exciting evening of art, flowers, and friendly competition at historic Beleura House.
The highlight of the night will be an Ikebana Battle, where two teams of five ikebana artists will each create floral works independently. Once the arrangements are complete, the audience will vote to decide the winning team.
One team will feature artists from the Japan Ikebana Therapy Association, while the opposing team will be led by an ikebana artist Shoso Shimbo and his collaborators.

Before the battle begins, guests will enjoy one hour of drinks and canapés in the Pavilion, including:
Three savoury canapés
Champagne
Red and white wine
Soft drinks

At the Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2024, the Ikebana performance at Beleura and the Ikebana Battle were the two most popular events. In 2026, you can experience both highlights in one unforgettable evening.

09:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Ikebana Therapy Training

We are honoured to welcome Dr Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa, internationally recognised leaders in Ikebana Therapy. They will personally lead the Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course — marking the first time this prestigious certification has been offered outside Japan.

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Ikebana Therapy Training

We are honoured to welcome Dr Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa, internationally recognised leaders in Ikebana Therapy. They will personally lead the Ikebana Therapy Guide Certification Training Course — marking the first time this prestigious certification has been offered outside Japan.

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Opening
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Mr. David Limbrick, Member of Parliament for Victoria, will inaugurate the festival (to be confirmed).

Awards presentation for Wa Ikebana Award, Bridal Bouquet Award & Melbourne Ikebana Container Award - Hiroe Swen Award.
Each exhibitors (including ikebana container exhibitors) can invite up to 3 friends and family to the opening. If you are invited by an exhibitor, you don't need to book. Please contact us (wa.ikebana@gmail.com) if you would like invite 4 or more people.

11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Ikebana Exhibition & Ikebana Container Award Exhibition
Location: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent

The special exhibition features 10 Ikebana artists of Japan Ikebana Therapy Association traveling from Japan. All ikebana containers are for sale (Ikebana container award section only).

Free Admission.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Artists Talk
Location: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent

Free event. Meet our exhibitors. No booking required.

12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Ikebana for Kids
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Duration: 45 min.
Age: Primary School Year 1 - Year 6

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. Tickets will be available from May 2026 to book!

01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Ikebana Demonstration
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Six demonstrators will create Ikebana works in 6 min. each. This event is a great introduction to Ikebana. Some of our demonstrators are members of Wa Melbourne Ikebana Festival Committee. We appreciate their hard work for this festival.

Fee: $10.
Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. Tickets will be available in June 2024 to book!

02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. Tickets will be available in May 2026 to book!

03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. Tickets will be available in May 2026 to book!

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. Tickets will be available in May 2026 to book!

11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Ikebana Containers Stalls
Location: Abbotsford Convent

The nation's top ceramic artists open their stalls.

07:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Ikebana Performance

Ikebana Performance by Shoso Shimbo with accompanied music by Jessica Aszodi.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details. In 2024 the tickets were sold out one month before the performance.

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Ikebana Exhibition & Ikebana Container Award Exhibition
Location: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent

The special exhibition features 10 Ikebana artists of Japan Ikebana Therapy Association traveling from Japan. All ikebana containers are for sale (Ikebana container award section only).

Free Admission.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Ikebana for Men
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

This workshop is for men who are interested in flowers. Female participants are also welcome.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Artists Talk
Location: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent

Free event. Meet our exhibitors. No booking required.

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Ikebana Conference
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Wa: Melbourne Ikebana Festival is pleased to host a regular conference of the International Society of Ikebana Research (bit.ly/ikebanaresearch).
Fee: $10.
Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Immersion: Ikebana in Japanese
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

This workshop is conducted in Japanese only. All instructions will be provided exclusively in Japanese. It's akin to participating in an ikebana class in Japan, making it perfect for VEC Japanese students or those planning a visit to Japan. Our instructor, a native Japanese speaker with a degree in applied linguistics, will lead the session.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
Ikebana Workshop
Location: Salon, Abbotsford Convent

Learn the fundamentals of Ikebana in our beginner-friendly workshops tailored for all ages and genders.

Visit our "Book Tickets" page for the details.

04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Bouquet Auction
Location: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent

All welcome. Bridal Ikebana Bouquets are up for auction.

10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Ikebana Containers Stalls
Location: Abbotsford Convent

The nation's top ceramic artists open their stalls. Also an ikebana tool shop will open.

12:00 AM - 11:45 PM
Hanadayori
Location: Online

Deadline for sending requests for Hanadayori 花信 : Ikebana by Request - Online Exhibition. We plan to publish ikebana works with requests from the viewers on our website & YouTube.


  • 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford Victoria 3067, Australia

Note 1: Please visit our FAQ page before you make an enquiry. Note 2: To receive our updates follow us by Facebook or Instagram. You can also join Shoso's mailing list: https://bit.ly/ikebananews