About Us
Ikebana International is a worldwide organisation which was founded in 1956 by the late Ellen Gordon Allen. Subject to approval by the chapter board, membership is open to anyone with a love for flowers and an interest in Ikebana. Ikebana International is committed to increasing international understanding through the appreciation of Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement and related arts and culture. It is not necessary to take lessons, but we keep a list of recognised teachers from the various schools for members who enquire.
The Singapore Chapter was founded in June 1968 by Lady Betty de la Mare and Mrs Monica Chan, our founding President. We obtained our charter from Tokyo Headquarters in January 1969 and our membership has grown to 160+ members. Our dedicated committee of volunteers work hard to plan interesting and innovative programmes featuring classical and contemporary Ikebana styles. Several times a year, we invite skilled Ikebana teachers to give demonstrations to our members and their guests. Members can also participate in workshops to learn arts and crafts related to Ikebana.
Whenever possible, we hold exhibitions to promote Ikebana and showcase our members’ talents. Our newsletter is circulated regularly to keep members in touch with all our activities. Three times a year, Tokyo Headquarters sends each member who paid or renewed their subscription on time, a beautifully-illustrated Ikebana International magazine and copies of Sakura News as well as news of chapter activities around the world.
Any member planning to travel can attend another Chapter’s programme meeting and members who are relocated can have their memberships transferred. The Singapore Chapter’s President and the Membership Chairman are pleased to assist with these arrangements.
Every 5 years, Ikebana International Headquarters holds a World Convention in Japan. Regional Conferences are held periodically in Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Australia and Africa. All Ikebana members are entitled to register for these events to watch Ikebana Headmasters at work and to share in the joy of “Friendship through Flowers”.