Europe, Territory, and Culture: A Conference on Opportunities for Associations, Businesses, and Citizens
2 SETTEMBRE 2026 Europe, Territory, and Culture: A Conference on Opportunities for Associations, Businesses, and Citizens To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Biennale d’Arte Fabbrile, Stia hosts the international conference “Europe, Territory, and Culture. Concrete Opportunities and New Horizons for Associations, Businesses, and Citizens . “ On Saturday, September 5th, at 10:30 a.m., at the Teatro Comunale in Piazza Mazzini, the event will focus on the relationship between European institutions, cultural identity, and local economic development. It will explore the opportunities offered by the European Union and the experience of the Biennale, which has become a case study and a model for international planning. The meeting will be opened by Luca Santini , mayor of Pratovecchio Stia, and Piero Milli , president of the Biennale d’Arte Fabbrile Association, who will introduce the strategic value of collaboration between institutions, cultural organizations, and the local area. This will be followed by a presentation on European opportunities for associations, businesses, and citizens, presented by Fausto Ghelli and Mauro Bartolucci of Bottega del Cittadino Europeo – Antenna Casentino in Stia, with the participation of Professor Massimiliano Montini and Angelita Campriani of Europe Direct – University of Siena. Key European Union calls for proposals, funding, and programs, including Creative Europe, Erasmus+, and the cohesion funds, will be presented, illustrating the tools available for innovation, creating new collaborations, and growing internationally. The second part of the conference will be dedicated to the Biennale d’Arte Fabbrile , presented as a concrete example of the transformation of a deeply rooted local tradition into a European-wide project. The in-depth analysis will be led by Adele Amato , project manager of the Biennale d’Arte Fabbrile Association, with presentations by Maria Gemma Bendoni, Dario Simonetti, and Chiara Bargellini . Ring of Iron Cities network and the “Iron Notes” project , co-financed by the European Union, will be discussed, with an update on the results achieved and the upcoming travelling exhibition, scheduled for 2026 and 2027. A specific space will also be reserved for training and international mobility activities supported by Erasmus+ and the presentation of the second edition of the Iron Notes Summer Camp 2026 . The morning will conclude with practical information on the services offered by the Europe Direct helpdesk, how to sign up for the newsletter, and how to receive free information and guidance. Among the major innovations of this fiftieth anniversary is the new Art Trail , which passes through Stia and extends to Porciano, Papiano, Ama, and Pratovecchio. The itinerary brings together 45 works created during the editions of the Biennale from 2001 to 2025 by blacksmiths, sculptors, and artists from 12 countries: Italy, France, Ukraine, Russia, Israel, England, Finland, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United States, Belgium, and Japan. This project takes art beyond traditional exhibition spaces and strengthens the dialogue between iron, landscape, villages, and communities. Among the works, the one created by master blacksmiths Roberto Magni and Martino Stenico , inspired by Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Third Paradise,” stands out . The official inauguration will be held on Saturday, September 5th at the Parco delle Terme del Palagio Fiorentino, following the afternoon conference dedicated to the work, scheduled for 5:00 pm at the Teatro Comunale. The conference offers an opportunity to learn more about the opportunities Europe offers and understand how culture, artisanal skills, and local identity can become drivers of innovation, collaboration, and development. PrevPRECEDENTEFROM 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER, THREE DAYS OF IRON, ART AND CONTEMPORARY ART: THE PROGRAM
FROM 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER, THREE DAYS OF IRON, ART AND CONTEMPORARY ART: THE PROGRAM
29 AUGUST 2026 FROM 4 TO 6 SEPTEMBER, THREE DAYS OF IRON, ART AND CONTEMPORARY ART: THE PROGRAM Fifty years of fire, iron, creativity, and community. From September 4 to 6, 2026, Stia celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art , the event that since 1976 has linked the Casentino village to the art of forging, making it over the years a hub and meeting place for blacksmiths, artists, and enthusiasts from around the world. For three days, the historic center will be animated by live blacksmithing, meetings, contemporary art, workshops, music, and widespread initiatives , in a program that looks to the history of the Biennale but also to its future. The celebrations will open on Friday, September 4th in Piazza Tanucci with the official 50th anniversary ceremony at 10:30 a.m. From the morning, in Piazza Mazzini, it will be possible to watch the blacksmiths at work creating the new entrance gate to the STIA Academy green area , developed from the winning project of the 10th International Design and Planning Competition “Pier Luigi della Bordella” for the 2025 Biennale. In the afternoon, at the Teatro Comunale, the conference “50 Years of Fire… Between Hammer and Anvil” will retrace half a century of the event’s history, with the participation of historic blacksmiths who have participated in past editions of the Biennale, while the evening will be dedicated to music. In addition to the scheduled workshops, “Open Forges” will take place on Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th: six forges will be made available to blacksmiths, who can work individually or in groups and create live works and objects inspired by the fiftieth anniversary of the Biennale. The resulting works will be exhibited in a dedicated area during the event. The most anticipated moment will be Saturday, September 5th , when wrought iron will meet one of the absolute protagonists of Italian contemporary art. At 5 pm, the Teatro Comunale will host the presentation of the meeting between the Pistoletto Cittadellarte Foundation and the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art of Stia . The event will illustrate the genesis of the work created by master blacksmiths dedicated to and inspired by Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Third Paradise,” with presentations by Paolo Naldini, Director of the Pistoletto Cittadellarte Foundation, Armona Pistoletto, and curators Loris Innocenti and Tommaso Venco of Hexisart . Afterwards, at the Parco delle Terme del Palagio Fiorentino , the work will be officially inaugurated, becoming part of the permanent collection of the Municipality of Pratovecchio Stia and the art trail spread throughout the area. Also on Saturday, the Teatro Comunale will host a morning meeting dedicated to Europe, territory, and culture . This meeting will also highlight the international project in which Stia is a partner, “Iron Notes,” co-financed by the European Union under the Creative Europe program. The meeting is organized in collaboration with the Europe Direct Center of the University of Siena and Bottega del Cittadino Europeo. Participants will include Professor Massimiliano Montini, Scientific Director of Europe Direct and the Rector’s Delegate for European Citizenship, and Dr. Angelita Campriani, Administrative Director and Europe Direct Manager. Piazza Mazzini will continue to be the heart of live blacksmithing with the creation of the gate for the Stia school. There will also be space for the younger generations with free blacksmithing workshops for children aged 6 to 12 , led by Daphne Kooistra. The day will conclude in Piazza Tanucci with the 50th Anniversary Celebration , a musical aperitif with paid admission. On Sunday, September 6, the Biennale will further expand its focus to the local area. Among the main events are the donation to the Parish of Stia of a cross created by Užventis MENE, Lithuania , and the inauguration of the new traveling Art Trail throughout the country , designed to bring the works beyond traditional exhibition spaces and strengthen the dialogue between art, iron, and the urban landscape. At 11.30 in Piazza Tanucci the closing ceremony will also be an opportunity to look forward, with the presentation of the XXVII European Biennial of Blacksmith Art 2027 . Throughout the weekend it will also be possible to visit the Wrought Iron Museum at the Lanificio di Stia for free, while the Gastronomic Village and the Biennale InfoPoint will be open in the town centre . The fiftieth anniversary of the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art in Stia is organised by the Biennial of Blacksmith Art Association and the Municipality of Pratovecchio Stia , in collaboration with the Tuscany Region, the Casentinesi Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park, the Arezzo-Siena Chamber of Commerce and BCC Banca di Anghiari e Stia, with the patronage of the Province of Arezzo, Confartigianato Imprese Arezzo, and CNA Arezzo. The event is also held thanks to the support of Freschi & Vangelisti Srl, I Tre Magi, Miniconf SpA, Polistamp , TACS, Eco Trade, Unicoop Firenze. PrevPRECEDENTEDAL 4 AL 6 SETTEMBRE TRE GIORNI TRA FERRO, ARTE E CONTEMPORANEITÀ: IL PROGRAMMA AVANTIEuropa, territorio e cultura: una conferenza sulle opportunità per associazioni, imprese e cittadiniNext
Registrations are now open for Fucine Aperte: leave your mark on the Biennial’s 50th anniversary and forge it in iron
12 AUGUST 2026 Registrations are now open for Fucine Aperte: leave your mark on the Biennial’s 50th anniversary and forge it in iron o mark the 50th anniversary of the European Biennial of Blacksmithing Art, Stia invites blacksmiths and iron artists to play an active role in the celebrations through “Fucine Aperte”, an initiative dedicated to creativity and live forging. During the three days of the event, 6 forges will be made available to blacksmiths wishing to create their own work inspired by the Biennial’s 50th anniversary. The common theme of the works will be the memory and celebration of 50 years of the Biennial. This is an opportunity to interpret, through iron, the identity, history and evolution of an event that for half a century has linked Stia to the great international tradition of blacksmithing art, entrusting the story of this important anniversary to the creativity and craftsmanship of blacksmiths themselves. The works created will be displayed in a dedicated area during the event. Blacksmiths wishing to take part can consult the official regulations and complete the registration form to reserve their forge. Reserve your forge:https://biennaleartefabbrile.it/fucine-aperte-crea-la-tua-opera-per-ilcinquantenario/ Read the official regulations: https://biennaleartefabbrile.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Fucine-Aperte-Regolamento-e-Modulo-di-Registrazione-finale.docx PrevPRECEDENTEOpportunità per fabbri e artisti del ferro: candida la tua opera alla open call “STRIKE”, mostra itinerante europea di Iron Notes AVANTIVia alle iscrizioni per Fucine aperte: lascia un pensiero sui 50 anni della Biennale e scolpiscilo nel ferroNext
An opportunity for blacksmiths and iron artists: submit your work to the “STRIKE” Open Call, Iron Notes’ European travelling exhibition
10 AUGUST 2026 An opportunity for blacksmiths and iron artists: submit your work to the “STRIKE” Open Call, Iron Notes’ European travelling exhibition Applications are open until 1 September 2026 for STRIKE, the new international Open Call promoted as part of Iron Notes to select works for a travelling exhibition that will tour Europe between 2026 and 2027. The European Biennial of Blacksmithing Art in Stia invites all blacksmiths, artists and professionals working with iron to submit their applications and take advantage of this opportunity for international exchange and visibility. STRIKE is part of Iron Notes – At the Borders of Iron, the European project co-funded by the Creative Europe programme, bringing together organisations from Finland, Sweden, Italy, Estonia and Norway. The project aims to enhance and rethink the cultural heritage of ironworking by connecting blacksmithing traditions with art, design, education and contemporary research. The Stia Biennial of Blacksmithing Art is one of the project partners alongside the other European organisations involved. STRIKE will be an international travelling exhibition exploring the expressive possibilities of iron in contemporary practice. The initiative is aimed at artists, designers, blacksmiths and students, encouraging a dialogue between the skills and techniques of traditional blacksmithing and new languages, experimental approaches and reflections on the role of iron in contemporary art and craft. The Open Call is therefore not simply about demonstrating technical skill in working with the material. It invites participants to develop works that express an idea, a point of view and a personal artistic research, exploring the boundary between traditional blacksmithing and contemporary craft. The title of the exhibition is also the theme that participants are invited to explore. “Strike” can be interpreted in many ways: a blow, a rhythm;to begin, to act, to shape, to create;a decisive strike, a turning point, something that changes the rules of the game;a spark, an inspiration, a feeling, a conflict. It is a word open to many interpretations, inviting each artist to draw on their own experience, sensitivity and practice with iron to develop an original work. The selected works will form part of a travelling exhibition that will make its debut in Tallinn, Estonia, during the international Iron Notes event in November 2026. Following its opening in Tallinn, STRIKE will travel to a number of European venues throughout 2027, giving the selected artists the opportunity to present their work as part of an international exhibition project. The deadline for applications is 1 September 2026. Selected artists will be notified by 21 September 2026, and the chosen works must be delivered to Tallinn by 23 October 2026. The Stia Biennial is directly involved in the Iron Notes project. For this reason, we would particularly like to invite the blacksmiths, iron artists and creatives who have taken part in and experienced the Biennial over the years to submit their work and bring their artistic research into an exhibition project that will travel across Europe. STRIKE is a unique opportunity to connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary research, engage with international artists and institutions, and contribute to the discussion about the future of blacksmithing art. Full information, participation requirements and Open Call documentation are available here: https://lab-ammattikorkeakoulu.creamailer.fi/ac6/email/5lZA2R2cG5RyHXK3viwy3/6a2a68c5c5357?f=read-more-21066924-1 Find out more about the Iron Notes project: https://www.ironnotes.eu/ PrevPRECEDENTEMichelangelo Pistoletto signs the project for the Third Paradise in wrought iron for Stia AVANTIRegistrations are now open for Fucine Aperte: leave your mark on the Biennial’s 50th anniversary and forge it in ironNext
Michelangelo Pistoletto signs the project for the Third Paradise in wrought iron for Stia
4 AUGUST 2026 Michelangelo Pistoletto signs the project for the Third Paradise in wrought iron for Stia A significant milestone on the journey towards the 50th anniversary of the European Biennial ofBlacksmithing Art: Master Michelangelo Pistoletto has signed the graphic design for thecreation in wrought iron of the Third Paradise, an artwork destined to become part of theheritage of the Pratovecchio Stia community and, symbolically, of the world. The signature establishes a direct link between Pistoletto’s artistic vision and its translation into thematerial and language that have defined the Biennial for fifty years: wrought iron, shaped by theskill and craftsmanship of blacksmiths.The artwork will be officially unveiled and presented on 5 September 2026, at the heart ofthe celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Biennial.The Third Paradise represents one of the most significant highlights of this special edition and isthe result of a shared artistic project developed with Cittadellarte – Fondazione Pistoletto andHexisart.An artwork conceived to endure over time, as a symbol of the dialogue between contemporary art,blacksmithing tradition and the community. PrevPRECEDENTELast spots available for the Iron Notes Summer Camp 2026: applications extended until July 31 AVANTIAn opportunity for blacksmiths and iron artists: submit your work to the “STRIKE” Open Call, Iron Notes’ European travelling exhibitionNext
Last spots available for the Iron Notes Summer Camp 2026: applications extended until July 31
July 22, 2026 Last spots available for the Iron Notes Summer Camp 2026: applications extended to July 31st. The international course for young blacksmiths, blacksmith students, and ironwork enthusiasts returns to Pratovecchio Stia from September 4th to 11th. There are still a few spots available for the second edition of the Iron Notes Summer Camp, scheduled for September 4th to 11th, 2026, in Pratovecchio Stia, in the province of Arezzo. The deadline originally scheduled for July 20th has been exceptionally extended: applications can be submitted until July 31st, 2026, subject to availability. Following the success of the first edition, the Summer Camp returns with an intense week of practical training aimed at young blacksmiths, blacksmith students, aspiring artisans, and enthusiasts of artistic metalwork from various countries. Under the guidance of internationally renowned master blacksmiths and trainers, participants will be able to hone their technical skills, explore different creative approaches, and work together to create a real architectural project. The 2026 edition will focus on the construction of the S.T.I.A. Academy gate, developed based on the winning project of the “Pier Luigi Della Bordella” Design and Drawing Award last year. The training program will be entirely hands-on and will focus on the forging of complex architectural elements, with particular attention to technical precision, traditional joining techniques, and collaboration between participants. Places are strictly limited to ensure each participant receives direct guidance from master blacksmiths and the opportunity to work in complete safety. Dates: September 4 to 11, 2026Location: Pratovecchio Stia, ArezzoParticipants: Maximum 15 peopleNew application deadline: July 31, 2026Priority: Students and alumni of project partner organizations Participation in the course is completely free. This activity is part of the Iron Notes project, co-funded by the European Union, and therefore does not require registration fees or training costs. Participants are responsible for their travel, accommodation, meals, and personal expenses. Upon request, informational support for finding accommodations and organizing travel will be provided. The Iron Notes Summer Camp offers a unique opportunity to learn in the field, work alongside internationally experienced professionals, and contribute to the creation of a lasting work. Last spots available: submit your application by July 31, 2026. PrevPRECEDENTEUltimi posti per l’Iron Notes Summer Camp 2026: candidature prorogate al 31 luglio