Performa Cavalese

Performa Cavalese: the museum becomes a living space

Performa Cavalese is a performing arts festival hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art of Cavalese, in the heart of the Val di Fiemme, in the municipality of Cavalese, province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). The project, curated by director Elsa Barbieri, draws inspiration from the New York Performa biennial dedicated to performing arts. It introduces a more dynamic approach to the Trentino museum scene, where artworks are not merely displayed but are activated, produced, and shared.

The format: three weeks, three artists

The festival is structured into three weekly cycles. Each week, a Trentino-based artist presents a work or a body of work that remains on display from Wednesday to Sunday. Saturday is the central day for activation: the artist engages directly with visitors through workshops, talks, or performances, turning the museum into a laboratory for experimentation and connection.

The project's stated goal is to build a map of emerging local research over time, providing space for a new generation of Trentino artists who share an interest in the intersection of visual languages, technology, and performance practices.

The venue: Palazzo Rizzoli

The Museum of Contemporary Art of Cavalese is housed in the historic Palazzo Rizzoli, in Piazzetta Rizzoli. Founded in 2001, the museum originated from a collection linked to Bruno Munari and other artists of the second half of the 20th century. Over the years, it has established itself as a reference point for contemporary art in the Val di Fiemme, integrating artistic research with the town's cultural life.

Cavalese and the Val di Fiemme

Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, Cavalese is the main hub of the Val di Fiemme, known for its forests, the tradition of the Magnifica Comunità di Fiemme, and a cultural offering that complements mountain tourism. Performa fits into this context as an opportunity to experience contemporary art in an alpine setting, blending the museum experience with participatory and local dimensions.

A project supported by the territory

The festival is promoted by the Municipality of Cavalese and supported by local entities such as the Val di Fiemme Tourist Board (APT) and the Cassa Rurale Val di Fiemme, demonstrating the project's deep roots in the valley's community.