8th Wood Sculpture Symposium

An open-air studio in the heart of Besenello

The Wood Sculpture Symposium is one of the most distinctive cultural events in the Vallagarina valley, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). For an entire week, the streets, arcades, and squares of the historic center of Besenello are filled with sculptors working outdoors under the curious gaze of residents and visitors. Each artist receives a raw larch log and, day by day, transforms it into a finished work, restoring the original meaning of the term "symposium": a moment of community conviviality, entertainment, and dialogue.

The event and its history

Conceived in 2012 by the Libero Pensiero association of Besenello, the festival has established itself over the years as a biennial event capable of attracting artists from across Trentino and beyond. Each edition revolves around a theme that guides the sculptors' inspiration: recent themes include "Sculpted Music" in 2019 and "Water"—one of the four elements of nature—in 2024. The format combines artistic expression with community spirit, with association volunteers supporting the sculptors and enlivening the days.

The 2026 edition: Guardians of the Forest

The eighth edition takes place from May 4 to 9, 2026, with the theme "Guardians of the Forest", designed to celebrate the deep, ancestral bond between man and the forest and to highlight the importance of respecting and understanding this vital ecosystem, rich in magic and wisdom. More than ten sculptors, accompanied by Libero Pensiero volunteers, will bring artistic performances and woodcraft to life throughout the village streets.

How it works

• Sculptors work outdoors throughout the week at stations distributed across the historic center, which are open to the public.
• Numerous evening concerts, workshops, animated readings for children, and side activities accompany the days.
• A bar and food service encourages social evenings and dialogue between artists, the public, and the community.
• On the final day, the public votes for their favorite work, which is awarded during the closing event.

Why it is worth visiting

Witnessing the birth of a sculpture, from a raw log to a finished piece, is a rare and engaging experience. The Besenello Symposium combines art, the tradition of wood carving—deeply rooted in Trentino culture—and village life, offering both adults and children an extra reason to discover the Vallagarina valley in spring.