Biennial of Blacksmith Art in the name of “Fantasy”
From 4 to 7 September 2025 Biennial of Blacksmith Art in the name of “Fantasy” The forges are heating up for the XXVI edition of the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art, scheduledfrom 4 to 7 September 2025. This year’s theme is “Fantasy”, announced in Stia last Saturday5 April in conjunction with the launch of the “Iron notes” project. A common thread that will be expressed in different ways in the competitions, events and activities included in the dense calendar of the four days, when blacksmiths from all over the world will come to Stia to compare, refine their working techniques, exchange ideas and good practices and stimulate creativity. “Magica-mente” is instead the title of the fifth edition of the international sculpture competition, which will be open from 14 April, when the call for entries will be opened. In the coming weeks, the titles of all the other competitions will be announced, starting with the world championship of forging, the heart of the event, but also the design and drawing competition and the photography competition. “The European context will characterize the entire event this year – declared the Mayor of Pratovecchio Stia, Luca Santini – with European partners and fine arts academies from Scandinavia, to which we will bring the history of our territory and our cultural and operational approach, with the aim of jointly enhancing the art of wrought iron and promoting new professions linked to the challenges of our time”. “We are happy to announce the next edition of the Biennale – added Maria Gemma Bendoni, president of the Autonomous Association for the Biennale – we are expecting blacksmiths and the public from many countries and we are ready to give a biennale not to be forgotten, inspired by the world of Fantasy”.
Iron notes, in Stia the international network that looks to the future of iron
3 April 2025 Iron notes, in Stia the international network that looks to the future of iron From Estonia, Finland, Norway, and Sweden comes the delegation of artists, artisans, designers, students, teachers, and professionals in ironworking who, from April 3 to 5, will gather in Stia for “Iron Notes”, an international event promoting this ancient art. The event is part of the European project “At the borders of iron”, in which the European Biennial of Blacksmithing Art in Stia — a long-standing member of a European network of cities and institutions — is one of the partners. Conferences, hands-on demonstrations, guided tours, and moments of conviviality will offer participants an immersive experience in the artistic and artisanal traditions of our region, with a special focus on the art of metal forging. During the event, guests will also have the opportunity to explore local history and culture. The delegation will visit Poppi Castle, Romena Castle and its Pieve, as well as the Wool Museum in Stia, the Museum of Wrought Iron, and the Mountain Museum. “Iron Notes” is co-funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe programme. It officially launches an international network united by iron, with the aim of promoting artistic and artisanal traditions while fostering reflection on the role and use of this material in contemporary society. Professionals and enthusiasts are invited to build a network for cultural exchange, research, and shared experiences, rethinking the role of this artisanal craft and adapting it to the needs of a society that is increasingly fast-paced and constantly evolving, while also addressing the environmental challenges related to ironworking. The Iron Notes group includes representatives from the Biennial and a delegation of 12 members from European project partners:LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), acting as project coordinator,Estonian Academy of Arts (Estonia),European Biennial of Blacksmithing Art (Italy),Oslo National Academy of the Arts (Norway),University of Gothenburg (Sweden),and the forging company ME-talli Oy (Finland). Through the Biennial of Blacksmithing Art, Italy strengthens the role of Stia and the Casentino Valley as centers of excellence in ironworking. The event is also an integral part of the Ring of the European Cities of Iron Works, an association that since 2003 has promoted and safeguarded the ironworking tradition, connecting the most significant European cities involved in this heritage.