The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) celebrates the Year of the Dragon with free activities on 10 and 11 February 2024.
Extending the celebration over two days for the first time, this year’s Lunar New Year program at the NGV features lion and dragon dances weaving through the Great Hall, Korean Samul Nori performances, guided tours of the NGV Triennial exhibition in Mandarin, English and AUSLAN, art-making activities, and more.
On each day of the Lunar New Year program, the Hong De Lion Dance Association performs Dragon dances accompanied by traditional Guzheng music and percussion on drums, cymbals and gongs which will enliven the Great Hall with a special performance of ‘Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate’. On Saturday 10 February, a traditional Lion dance will be performed in the Great Hall to usher in good luck and fortune for the year.
Visitors are invited to join the weekend’s festivities wearing traditional costumes from across the Asian region and participate in a community fashion parade hosted by artist Scotty So and Chinese traditional fashion enthusiast, YiYi Hanfu. The fashion parade is accompanied by a talk from YiYi and So to discuss how Chinese fashion has changed over time and its historical and cultural significance. Over the weekend, kids and families can also channel their creativity in a Dragon Crown art-making activity for all ages to wear during the celebrations.
Korean culture group Sori will present Gil Nori a performance of percussion instruments and dance, reminiscent of the vibrancy of Korean streets throughout the Gallery. Visitors are invited to celebrate the rich traditions of Korea with this folk-style music which is accompanied by dance and rituals.
On Sunday 11 February, Beijing Opera’s enchanting sounds will resonate throughout the Great Hall, courtesy of performers from Mei Lan Fang’s Art Chinese Beijing Opera Association. The unique blend of music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics will thrill audiences in a century-old art form that is enjoyed throughout the world.
Out in the NGV Garden, visitors of all ages are invited to play Mahjong, the tile-based strategy game, beloved throughout Asia and the world. Visitors will be able to enjoy the ancient game against the backdrop of a bubble-filled sky courtesy of the Dragon’s Breath Bubble Party.
NGV Community Ambassadors will host free guided tours of the NGV Triennial exhibition in English and Mandarin while artist Phoenix Chung will lead tours in AUSLAN to explore the contemporary art, design and architectural works on display.
Visitors can enjoy a bespoke menu for the Lunar New Year festivities featuring dumplings, wontons, pork buns and spring rolls as well as mochi, egg custard tarts and more. The NGV Tea Room and Gallery Kitchen will also offer an Asian-inspired lamington with mikan, lychee and raspberry flavours by Tokyo Lamington.
Across the duration of the celebration, visitors can take home complimentary Red Envelopes to gift families and friends, courtesy of Event Partner of the NGV Lunar New Year program, HSBC.
Donna McColm, Assistant Director, Curatorial and Audience Engagement, NGV, said: ‘Each year, the NGV’s Lunar New Year program welcomes new audiences and becomes a place of celebration for the whole community. We are delighted that so many visitors choose the NGV as a destination to celebrate this important event as it honours the diverse cultural fabric of Melbourne.’
The NGV’s Lunar New Year program 2024 takes place 10 – 11 February 2024 at NGV International and is FREE.