Immersia 2025—Voices from the Festival
Immersia 2025 has been more than a festival — it’s been a tapestry of voices, stories, and shared experiences. From Kabuki to K-pop, calligraphy to clay, meditation to movies and from gaming to greatly inspiring conversations, people came together to learn, share, and celebrate.
Participants reflected on what this meant for them. One said: “Thanks to the organisers for celebrating cultural pride, diversity, inclusivity and ongoing learning!” Another described Immersia as “a unique open-to-the-public event reminding participants of Australia’s Asia and Pacific neighbours, their culture and art forms — with much fun.”
Together, these voices form a mosaic of what Immersia set out to be: a space where culture is lived and shared; a place for joy, learning, culture, and connection.
Immersia also opened doors to practices that are rarely seen outside their home countries, such as:
- Nia Dance Workshops invited participants to explore expressive movement, connecting mind, body, and rhythm in a joyful communal experience.
- Threads of Tibet brought Tibetan calligraphy, music, and traditional costume to life, offering a window into centuries of culture and storytelling.
- Mini Naadam Mongolia celebrated Mongolian heritage through wrestling, archery, and the hypnotic sounds of throat singing and the horsehead fiddle, all paired with authentic cuisine from the steppes.
- Kabuki Performance showcased the drama and precision of Japanese theatre, combining elaborate costume, makeup, and storytelling.
Each tradition carried its own story — yet all spoke to the creativity, resilience, and diversity of the Asia-Pacific region.
Snapshots from the Festival
From moments of performance to hands-on workshops and joyful gatherings, Immersia 2025 was full of scenes worth remembering. Here are some highlights captured from this year’s vibrant program — a glimpse of the people, stories, and experiences that brought the festival to life. The gallery will continue to grow and be updated in the coming weeks, but here are some snapshots you can enjoy already!
Still on Exhibition
Quieter corners of Immersia linger long after the crowds have gone. Two showcases remain open till 6pm, Friday 26 September for those who want to continue exploring Immersia’s themes:
- When You Call My Name —This moving exhibition invites visitors to pause, reflect, and connect with stories of migration and belonging.
- Immersia Student Showcase — This showcase features the work of ANU students in Asian and Pacific Studies who experimented with hands-on materials and digital tools to explore cultural traditions and lived experience. From gender studies to cultural research methods, students question, reinterpret, and re-present traditions, offering fresh perspectives on how tradition and modernity meet, clash, and converse across the region.
One Last Gathering: The Grand Finale
Though rain postponed our original closing event on 19 September, the spirit of Immersia hasn’t dampened. The Grand Finale: Tapestry of Culture will now take place on Friday, 26 September from 6–9pm on University Avenue.
Join us for an evening of performances by the Vietnamese Students Association and friends, vibrant costumes, regional street foods, and night markets buzzing with local treats and crafts. Lanterns, music, and community will bring Immersia 2025 to a joyful close.
Thank you for being part of Immersia 2025 — for supporting it, showing up, listening, learning, and celebrating. We hope to see you at the finale, and next year, we look forward to welcoming you again with another program of cultural discoveries, collaborative experiences, and shared stories from across the Asia-Pacific.
