The Stia Blacksmith Art Biennial participated in the third edition of the Volontari@Work 2026 National Award, an initiative dedicated to promoting skilled volunteer work promoted by the Terzjus Foundation.

The awards ceremony took place on April 13th in Rome, in the Sala del Mappamondo of the Chamber of Deputies. Representing the Autonomous Association for the Stia Blacksmith Art Biennial were President Maria Gemma Bendoni and Councilor Daniela Ceccarelli.

Although not among the awarded projects, the nomination represented an important opportunity to recognize the Biennial’s organizational model, which is based on the crucial contribution of volunteers. Since its inception in 1976, the event has relied on the active participation of the local community, which supports the association in cultural promotion, event logistics, and hosting artists.

Today, the Biennale can count on a network of over one hundred volunteers who offer a variety of skills: from technical management of the forges to linguistic mediation for blacksmiths from around the world, to support in communication, teaching, and organizing cultural activities.

This commitment is one of the cornerstones of the event, which every two years transforms Stia into an international hub for the art of forging. Over time, it has contributed to the creation of a permanent cultural ecosystem, including the Iron Museum and the STIA – School Training Iron & Arts.

Participation in the Volontari@Work Award confirms the value of volunteering as a driver of cultural and social growth for the Casentino region and as a fundamental element in the development and continuity of the Biennale.