Created for Werribee City Council’s Chinese New Year Festival, this giant inflatable Waving Cat (Maneki-neko) was designed to welcome visitors with a symbol of luck, prosperity and celebration. Positioned within the festival environment, the installation delivered immediate visual impact and a playful focal point for attendees.
To bring the character to life, the inflatable incorporated a custom internal mechanism that allowed the raised paw to wave continuously, echoing the traditional motion that gives the Maneki-neko its charm and meaning. Metallic-style printed finishes and bold detailing completed the look, from the collar bell through to the signature markings.
The large-scale inflatable quickly became a popular photo opportunity, inviting smiles and interaction from festival visitors. Its movement and personality helped create a warm and engaging atmosphere throughout the event.
Playful, symbolic and highly visible, the Lucky Waving Cat demonstrated how inflatable installations can add character, movement and cultural storytelling to public events.
Image Credit James Pipino
