6th “Rossana Molinatti” Photography Contest
October 7, 2025 6th “Rossana Molinatti” Photography Contest The 6th “Rossana Molinatti” Photography Competition was held during the 26th edition of the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art in Stia. It was open to all—photography professionals and enthusiasts—regardless of age or nationality. The theme chosen for this edition, “Traces of Fire, Artistic Shots”, inspired the 25 participants to express the strength, creativity, and beauty of wrought iron through images. Each photographer was able to submit up to five shots, taken during the Biennial (September 4–7, 2025). The works will be judged by a jury composed of FIAF President Roberto Rossi, members of the W. Soldani Photographic Association of Bibbiena, and a representative of the Autonomous Association of the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art in Stia. Judging criteria will take into account the ability to interpret the theme, creativity, and technical quality of the images. The three winners will each receive a wrought iron work, crafted by master craftsmen.The awards ceremony will be held during the Vinolio Novo event, scheduled for November 15 and 16, 2025, at the Lanificio di Stia.
The European Biennial of Blacksmith Art at the Grave Marker Conference 2025 in Sweden
7 october 2025 The European Biennial of Blacksmith Art at the Grave Marker Conference 2025 in Sweden From October 9 to 12, 2025, the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art will take part, as a partner of the European project Iron Notes, in the Grave Marker Conference 2025, held at the Steneby Campus of the University of Gothenburg (Sweden). The conference is part of the international research and exchange activities promoted by Iron Notes, a project co-funded by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme. The central theme of the 2025 edition will be “Death and Memorial”, featuring a rich program of lectures, workshops, and demonstrations led by university professors and international partners. Alongside the academic sessions, the Nya Magasinet exhibition space on campus will host the exhibition Iron Notes – Passage, curated by Lina Artemis, showcasing works and artefacts that explore death as transition, transformation, and shared memory. The Biennial will be represented by master blacksmiths Roberto Magni and Martino Stenico, together with student Jonas Biggeri, representing the new generations. Maria Gemma Bendoni, Dario Simonetti and Adele Amato will also participate remotely, contributing online at the meeting on Sunday morning. Through its participation alongside other international partners, the Biennial contributes to this important European event that brings together research, education, and contemporary metal art, strengthening international dialogue on the culture of iron and blacksmithing. Further information about the conference program is available at the following link:Grave Marker Conference 2025: https://metalartsweden.com/research/grave-marker/conference-2025.html Dal 9 al 12 ottobre 2025 la Biennale Europea d’Arte Fabbrile prenderà parte, in qualità di partner del progetto europeo Iron Notes, alla Grave Marker Conference 2025, che si terrà presso il Campus Steneby dell’Università di Gothenburg (Svezia).La conferenza si inserisce all’interno delle attività di ricerca e scambio internazionale promosse da Iron Notes, progetto co-finanziato dall’Unione Europea attraverso il programma Creative Europe. Tema centrale dell’edizione 2025 sarà “Death and Memorial” (morte e memoriale), con un ricco calendario di conferenze, workshop e dimostrazioni guidati da professori universitari e partner internazionali. Parallelamente agli incontri accademici, presso lo spazio espositivo Nya Magasinet del Campus verrà allestita la mostra Iron Notes – Passage, a cura di Lina Artemis, che raccoglie opere e manufatti capaci di esplorare la morte come passaggio, trasformazione e memoria condivisa. La Biennale sarà rappresentata dai maestri fabbri Roberto Magni e Martino Stenico insieme allo studente Jonas Biggeri, in rappresentanza delle nuove generazioni. Alla conferenza prenderanno parte anche Dario Simonetti e Adele Amato, che interverranno online nella mattinata di domenica. Con la sua partecipazione, accanto agli altri partner internazionali, la Biennale contribuisce a questo importante appuntamento europeo che unisce ricerca, formazione e arte contemporanea del metallo, consolidando il dialogo internazionale sulla cultura del ferro e della forgiatura. Maggiori informazioni sul programma della conferenza sono disponibili al seguente link: Grave Marker Conference 2025: https://metalartsweden.com/research/grave-marker/conference-2025.html
“Iron Notes Summer Camp 2025 – NextGen Blacksmith” Comes to a Close: A Program Dedicated to Young Blacksmiths
20 GIUGNO 2025 “Iron Notes Summer Camp 2025 – NextGen Blacksmith” Comes to a Close: A Program Dedicated to Young Blacksmiths The Iron Notes Summer Camp 2025 – NextGen Blacksmith has officially concluded. This residential professional training camp, part of the Erasmus+ European program and supported by the Tuscany Region, was dedicated to young aspiring blacksmiths from across Europe. From September 6 to 10, 17 students and 3 teachers from Estonia, Sweden, Norway, and Finland took part in a fully immersive experience in Stia, engaging in workshops, training sessions, and discussions with master blacksmiths Roberto Magni and Martino Stenico. The camp was hosted at the S.T.I.A. Academy – School Training Iron & Arts, where participants explored new forging techniques, compared traditional and contemporary approaches, and discovered how wrought iron can serve as both a creative language and a cultural dialogue. The initiative is part of the European project “IRON NOTES – At the Borders of Iron,” which connects institutions, universities, and cultural organizations in a dynamic international network. The Summer Camp was inaugurated on September 6 at the historic Lanificio di Stia, with an official welcome event for Erasmus students, open to visitors of the European Biennale of Blacksmithing Art. Now that the in-person camp has ended, the conversation continues online via the Facebook group:Iron Notes Blacksmithing & Metal Art CommunityAn international meeting space for blacksmiths, metal artists, students, researchers, and anyone interested in the field, the group is designed to share experiences, tips, inspiration, and reflect on the role of forging and metalwork in tradition, art, and contemporary society. The goal is to build and maintain an online community of qualified professionals across the EU — a platform that also encourages cross-border collaborations in the creative and artistic sectors, beyond the scope of the core project consortium. Learn more about our European projects: www.biennaleartefabbrile.it/progetti-europeiDiscover the S.T.I.A. Academy: www.stia.academy PrevPRECEDENTEHUB Social: gli studenti protagonisti della Biennale 2025 AVANTITutti i vincitori della XXVI edizione e le date della prossima edizioneNext
All the winners of the 26th edition and the dates of the next edition
10 settembre 2025 All the winners of the 26th edition and the dates of the next edition The 26th European Biennale of Blacksmithing Art in Stia closed with a record-breaking edition, which saw over 250 blacksmiths compete in the World Forging Championship and thousands of visitors bring the Casentino village to life. The title of World Champion of the 12th Forging Championship, dedicated this year to the theme “Myths and Magic,” was awarded to Italian blacksmith Giampaolo Maniero for his piece “La Sciabolata di Perseo,” celebrated in a packed Piazza Tanucci. Second place went to Isacco Szathvary with “Knock knock knocking at the wizard’s door,” while third place was awarded to Stefano Fagioli with “Sambuco (albus silente).” In the team category, the Czech Republic dominated the competition: first prize went to Rulf, Trpisovsky, Havranek, and Tomasek with “When the light ends, the trade begins”; second prize to Ruth, Jungr, Rosecky, and Wasserbauer with “The birth of Venus”; and third prize to Lubos, Hartinkov, and Frantisek with “Oracolo.” The jury, chaired by architect Pietro Carlo Pellegrini, also awarded prizes in the other competitions. In the 5th International Sculpture Competition, themed “Magica-mente,” first place went to German artist Matthias Kuehn with “Lumen Mentis,” followed by Ukrainian artist Roman Kost with “The living” and Italian Davide Caprili with “L’angelo che è in te.” In the 11th “Pier Luigi della Bordella” Design and Drawing Competition, which invited participants to design the gate for the Stia School of Blacksmithing Art, first prize was awarded to Leonardo Innocenti with “Onda anomala,” second to Jonas Biggeri with “Il testimone,” and third to Belgian artist Dirk Van Esser with “Bound by fire.” Three special mentions were also given for works exhibited in the “Lanificio Spazio Vuoto_Incubatore di Idee” space: Martino Stenico with “Panca tonda,” Roberto Magni with “Infinto,” and Rosario Maglione with “Coffee break.” For the first time, the special “Pietro Annigoni” Prize, awarded by the Banca di Anghiari e Stia and dedicated to the youngest competing blacksmith, went to Czech participant Tomas Usijka, born in 2008. During the closing ceremony, the Mayor of Pratovecchio Stia, Luca Santini, announced a special event in 2026 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Biennale, while the president of the Independent Association of Blacksmithing Art, Maria Gemma Bendoni, confirmed the dates of the next edition: from September 2 to 5, 2027. Photo by Leonardo Gori PrevPRECEDENTEYoung Ambassadors of Blacksmith Art: Students Protagonists of the 2025 Biennale AVANTISi è concluso “Iron Notes Summer Camp 2025 – NextGen Blacksmith” dedicato ai giovani fabbriNext
Social Hub: Students at the forefront of the 2025 Biennale
2 SETTEMBRE 2025 Social HUB: Students Take Center Stage at the Biennale Discovering the Biennale from the inside, telling its story in real time, and becoming digital ambassadors of forged art.With the new Social HUB, one of the most cherished innovations of the 2025 European Biennale of Forged Art comes to life. The space will be set up in Piazza Mazzini, next to the World Forging Championship, the beating heart of the event. Here, among fire and anvils, an interactive hub will be created where artists, blacksmiths, volunteers, and industry experts can meet and engage with the public. Thanks to the collaboration with local high schools, the European Association for the Biennale of Forged Art has developed a project within the Pathways for Transversal Skills and Career Guidance (PCTO) program. An initiative that combines school education and hands-on experience, offering students the opportunity to experience the Biennale as protagonists. During the event days, the students will be involved in various activities: from managing bookings for side events, to welcoming visitors with information on schedules, locations, and events, to the creation of podcasts, interviews, and digital content to share the unique atmosphere of the Biennale. The classes participating in the project are:III A ISIS “G. Galilei” of Poppi (Tourism Technical Program),III A and III B Scientific High School “G. Galilei” of Poppi,III A Computer Science, III D Mechanics, and IV A Computer Science of ISIS “E. Fermi” of Bibbiena. A formative experience that combines tradition and innovation, enhancing the world of wrought iron through the fresh and curious eyes of the new generations. PrevPRECEDENTEThe official map of the 26th European Biennial of Blacksmith Art is online. AVANTIAll the winners of the 26th edition and the dates of the next editionNext
The official map of the 26th European Biennial of Blacksmith Art is online.
29 AGOSTO 2025 The official map of the 26th European Biennale of Blacksmithing Art is now online. The 26th European Biennale of Blacksmithing Art in Stia is approaching, scheduled from September 4 to 7, 2025. The official map of the event is now available to help you navigate the various locations and activities: from the World Forging Championship in Piazza Mazzini, to the sculptural art trail and the stands in Piazza Tanucci, the exhibition space at the Lanificio, and the musical and side events that will enliven the town. The map also includes the full daily program, with times and activities: competitions, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and performances. A useful tool to make the most of every moment of the Biennale! Download the map and program here:Download PDF PrevPRECEDENTE“Myths and Magic” is the theme of the Blacksmithing World Championship AVANTISocial Hub: Students at the forefront of the 2025 BiennaleNext
“Myths and Magic” is the theme of the Blacksmithing World Championship
2 LUGLIO 2025 “Myths and Magic” is the theme of the World Forging Championship Charcoal forge, anvil, hammer, and the mastery of blacksmiths: registrations are now open for the 12th World Forging Championship, this year inspired by the theme “Myths and Magic.” Blacksmiths from all over the world will gather in Casentino to compete—either individually or in teams—and create artistic ironworks that showcase their skill, craftsmanship, and creativity. But the event is more than a competition: it’s also a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, refine forging techniques, and share best practices within an international community of artisans. PrevPRECEDENTEThe 1000 Miglia Stops in Pratovecchio Stia: A Handcrafted Gift to Welcome the Participants AVANTI“Miti e magie” è il tema del campionato del mondo di forgiaturaNext
The 1000 Miglia Stops in Pratovecchio Stia: A Handcrafted Gift to Welcome the Participants
20 gIUGNO 2025 The 1000 Miglia Stops in Pratovecchio Stia: A Handcrafted Gift to Welcome the Participants Two Traditions Meet in Pratovecchio Stia On Thursday, June 20, the Casentino municipality will welcome the passage of vintage cars from the 1000 Miglia, the historic race crossing Italy, blending motor racing tradition with the enhancement of the landscape. On this occasion, the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art Association, in agreement with the Municipal Administration, will present participants with a small wrought iron handcrafted item, made according to local tradition, as a welcome gift and a symbol of the cultural identity of the area. Some members of the Association will also be present as volunteers, assisting with activities related to the caravan’s passage. This initiative promotes artisanal craftsmanship and active community participation during major events like the 1000 Miglia, renowned worldwide. PrevPRECEDENTEGiovani ambassador dell’arte Fabbrile: alunni protagonisti della Biennale 2025 AVANTI“Miti e magie” è il tema del campionato del mondo di forgiaturaNext
Young Ambassadors of Blacksmith Art: Students Protagonists of the 2025 Biennale
20 GIUGNO 2025 Young Ambassadors of Blacksmithing Art: Students at the Heart of the 2025 Biennale Once again this year, the European Association for the Biennale of Blacksmithing Art, in collaboration with local high schools, is promoting an educational program dedicated to young people, with the goal of bringing them closer to the art of forging and making them active participants in the event. Throughout the month of June, students created multimedia content, interviews, and in-depth features about the Biennale — focusing especially on the competitions in forging, sculpture, design, and drawing. These materials will be published on the official website of the Association, becoming an integral part of the event’s official communication. In September, during the Biennale, the students will be involved in every stage of the event’s operation: managing a social media hub, welcoming visitors by providing information about schedules, venues, events, and side activities, and offering support to participants with online registration forms. The classes involved in the project include: Class III A from ISIS “G. Galilei” of Poppi (Tourism track):Remzie Adili, Giulio Bonucci, Federica Ciabatti, Sofia Fabbri, Alice Mengoli, Marco Parisi, Valentina Peluso, Denisa Putyer, Giulia Sabatini, Melissa Ziberi Classes III A and III B from the Scientific High School “G. Galilei” of Poppi:Filippo Brezzi, Martina Caleri, Lorenzo Ciagli, Diego Di Donato, Lorenzo Lanini, Giulia Loddi, Irene Ristori, Letizia Piombini, Matilde Vignoli Classes III A Computer Science, III D Mechanics, and IV A Computer Science from ISIS “E. Fermi” of Bibbiena:Filippo Bimbocci, Allegra Pecorini, Lorenzo Rialti, Samuele Scalzo, Tommaso Tramonti, Alice Ugolini This is a project that blends education, culture, and active participation, offering students a valuable opportunity to engage with the world of event organization and take on a leading role in one of the most important events in the Casentino valley. At the same time, it’s an experience that brings the younger generation closer to the tradition and artistry of ironworking, helping them reconnect with their roots and nurturing the professionals and enthusiasts of tomorrow. PrevPRECEDENTETutti i vincitori della XXVI edizione e le date della prossima edizione AVANTIAll the winners of the 26th edition and the dates of the next editionNext
Transformation of Matter and Art: Roberto Giordani Exhibits at the Castle of Poppi
8 Maggio 2025 Transformation of Matter and Art: Roberto Giordani Exhibits at the Castle of Poppi Explore Worlds and Imaginations Through Matter – The Other Side. Chronicles of Matter, a contemporary art exhibition by iron artist Roberto Giordani, created in collaboration with the European Biennial of Blacksmith Art in Stia. The halls of the Castle of the Counts Guidi in Poppi (AR) host ten sculptures depicting female forms and ten paintings created using aluminum casts imprinted on canvas with rust, telling the story of the transformation of organic matter. Iron, bronze, steel, ceramic, concrete, and other materials take shape in Giordani’s hands, sculpted into the figures of women in his works, evoking constant transformation, acceptance of the world’s nature, and the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. The exhibition opens on Saturday, May 10 at 6:00 PM and runs until June 8.Info: +39 350 1974405. PrevPRECEDENTETrasformazione della materia e arte: Roberto Giordani espone al Castello di Poppi AVANTILa 1000 Miglia fa tappa a Pratovecchio Stia: un dono artigianale per accogliere i partecipantiNext