About SMACH Biennale 2025
The seventh edition of the SMACH Biennale—officially titled SMACH 2025—returns from July 12 to September 14, 2025. This open-air art festival invites visitors to wander through Val Badia in the Dolomites. Here, you can explore ten new site-specific installations inspired by the Ladin word “cu” (meaning whetstone). Spread across alpine meadows and scenic peaks, SMACH fuses contemporary creativity with craftsmanship and cultural memory.
What Does “CU” Symbolize?
The whetstone—or “cu”—is central to this Biennale’s theme. Traditionally, local farmers used it to sharpen scythes. Thus, it symbolizes materiality, pastoral labor, universal craftsmanship, and technical evolution. Through artistic interpretation, it invites reflection on human progress. It also encourages the preservation of heritage and the interplay between tradition and innovation.
SMACH Biennale 2025, Site‑Specific Installations Across Val Badia
SMACH.2025 showcases ten commissioned works in diverse alpine settings. You will find them in verdant meadows and dramatic mountain paths (Alta Badia). These installations foster a dialogue with the environment. They are subtle, surprising, and deeply rooted in context. Among the highlights is “With Every Step” by Drukdoenerij (Hans De Backer), which features an interactive trail piece. Another notable work is “Lago Lunch – CU X Mission” by Luca Rossi, an engaging lakeside intervention. Additionally, “Medalghes – .arexport” by Carmine Auricchio, Jonathan Coen & Moritz Knopp presents a striking mountain-top sculpture (Kronplatz). These installations blend art, landscape, and cultural resonance into a cohesive visitor experience.
Join the Vernissage & Seasonal Events
The official opening will take place at Ciasa dl Maier on July 12, 2025, at 18:00. The evening will feature live demonstrations of scything and flint knapping by Prometheus APS and local scythers. Silvia Baccanti will lead a children’s natural-art workshop. Guests can enjoy presentations, a buffet, and music sets by Chris Costa and Mr. Intech. Beyond the vernissage, visitors can participate in guided art hikes, lively performance events, engaging workshops, and insightful talks. These activities will animate Val dl’Ert, the heart of SMACH’s “art park” near San Martino in Badia (Alta Badia).
How to Visit: Hiking & Tours
Accessing SMACH artworks requires embracing the spirit of the Alps. Visitors can follow marked hiking trails that wind through meadows, ridges, and woodlands. Alternatively, they might consider guided trekking packages that last from three to four days and include overnight stays in mountain huts. Holimites offers several options. Those interested in exploring independently can embark on day hikes from Kronplatz or San Martino in Badia. These immersive journeys provide breathtaking scenery and curated art discoveries.
Cultural Engagement & Environmental Ethics
SMACH stands out for its community-driven approach. The open call tradition allows artists to propose work without needing a CV, even from amateur backgrounds. An international jury, comprising figures such as Zasha Colah, Jasmine Deporta, Stefan Sagmeister, and Peter Senoner, evaluates submissions. Moreover, a green mandate ensures that sustainable materials, budget parity, and remoteness-resilient artworks minimize environmental impact.
Beyond the Biennale: Cultural Hub & Legacy
SMACH is more than a temporary event; it’s a cultural ecosystem. Val dl’Ert will remain an open-air art park year-round, featuring 28 permanent and expanding works. The park also offers community workshops, film screenings, concerts, and education programs. Satellite projects are included as well, such as Michelangelo Pistoletto’s “Third Paradise” near Colfosco and Lois Anvidalfarei’s “Tor” at the Ladin Museum. Exploring Val d’Ert provides a multi-layered experience of art, memory, and place.
Practical Info & Visitor Tips
The Biennale runs from July 12 to September 14, 2025. The installation period is from June to July, and disassembly will take place by September 20. Entry is free year-round for the outdoor show, though festival events may require a fee. The submission call for artists closed on March 2, 2025. This call had an entry fee of €15, and the production prize offers €2,000 plus residency.
To reach the Biennale, visitors will find that the nearest hub is San Martino in Badia. Accommodations range from hotels to mountain huts. It’s advisable to pack hiking essentials such as layered clothing, a map and compass, water, and a light backpack. The trails vary from moderate to challenging.
Why Visit SMACH Biennale 2025?
Visiting the Biennale offers an immersive land art experience, allowing guests to appreciate artworks that evolve with the stunning mountainous backdrop. The authentic cultural connection is evident in the whetstone theme, which bridges generational craft with contemporary expression. Attendees can look forward to scenic adventures that showcase breathtaking Dolomite vistas paired with artistic discovery.
SMACH is also inclusive and eco-aware, celebrating local tradition, sustainable creation, and community involvement.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast seeking unconventional installations, a hiker craving scenic inspiration, or someone drawn to living heritage, the SMACH Biennale 2025 promises a deeply resonant Alpine cultural journey.
For more information—schedules, maps, guided hikes, and event listings—visit SMACH’s website >
