Wa Ikebana Exhibition 2026

Exhibitor – How to Apply

Don't miss this wonderful and rare opportunity to exhibit your ikebana work free of charge alongside international artists at one of Melbourne's renowned gallery spaces. Showcase your creativity to a wide audience, gain valuable exposure, and share the beauty of your art—all at no cost.

When to Apply

1 April – 1 August 2026
• Qualified ikebana teachers (interstate & international exhibitors)

1 June – 1 August 2026
• Ikebana practitioners with more than one year of training (interstate & international exhibitors)

1 June – 1 August 2026
• Local ikebana teachers and students (Local exhibitors based in Victoria, Australia)

Local ikebana teachers are welcome to apply together with their students. Students with limited training may be accepted provided they are supervised by their teacher. Wa was originally established to support ikebana students who have limited opportunities to exhibit their work.

Group applications
If you are applying as a group of more than 6 exhibitors, please contact us as early as possible to secure your places.

Exhibitor Fees - Free

How to Apply

1. Review Information

Please read the Exhibitor Guidelines, About & FAQ pages carefully.

2. Consider Optional Participation

Decide whether you would like your exhibit to be considered for:

• the Wa Ikebana Award Competition
• Demo Presenter
• Bridal Bouquet Competition

Refer to the Award and Special Events pages for details.

3. Student Exhibition Program

Free Student Exhibition Opportunity: Application Form

The Melbourne Ikebana Festival is delighted to offer approximately 20 student exhibition places free of charge.

If you have studied ikebana for more than one year (normally at least 20 lessons), you are welcome to apply, regardless of your ikebana school or affiliation.

This is a rare opportunity to exhibit your work in a ticketed international ikebana exhibition at a respected gallery, alongside experienced ikebana artists and before a wide public audience. It is an excellent opportunity to gain exhibition experience, build confidence, and share your creativity with the community.

As exhibition places are limited, approximately 20 students (subject to change) will be selected based on the information provided in their application. We encourage all eligible students to apply.

We hope this experience will inspire you to continue your ikebana journey and help nurture the next generation of ikebana practitioners.

Teacher Support & Endorsement

To ensure each student is well supported, applications must be endorsed by the student's teacher. On the exhibition installation day, students will be assisted either by their own teacher or, with their teacher's endorsement, by an experienced member of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival team.

Application Timeline

Submit Application Form

Application deadline: 1 August 2026

Notification of successful applicants: By 10 August 2026

Exhibition installation: 28 August 2026

4. Submit Application Form - Teachers

Submit your application form by the deadline. To submit your appplication form, complete the online form, https://forms.gle/niUKiRUFdYZvR1Pp6

or email us at wa.ikebana@gmail.com. Please include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Ikebana school affiliation & title (if any)
• Year received the hightest title
• Web page and/or SMS

The application form asks you to upload your design plan (less than 0.5 Meg). Please refer to our  Exhibitor Guidelines.

We may publish your bio and website links on our website and Facebook page. If you prefer not to have your information published, please leave the bio and website sections blank.

5. Application Review

Your appplication will be reviewed by our committee within 7 days. If your submission is successful and space is available, you will receive a confirmation email.

Due to the limitations in spaces, late applicants may not be selected even if they are excellent artists.

If you do not hear from us within 7 days, please contact us at wa.ikebana@gmail.com, as there may have been an issue receiving your form.

6. Stay Updated

Follow Wa: Ikebana on Facebook. All important updates will be shared on our website and Facebook page.

7. Exhibition Setup

We look forward to seeing you on the exhibition setup day. 

All exhibitors are expected to participate in setup, dismantling, and cleaning unless special circumstances apply. Your cooperation helps make the festival accessible and affordable, and greatly supports our friendly and dedicated volunteer team.

Thank you—we truly appreciate your support and participation.