BID17

BID17ART - FIRST EDITION OF BIENNIAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S EXHIBITION

The First Edition

The year 2017 marked the birth of the Biennale Internazionale Donna (BID), an ambitious project dedicated exclusively to women’s contemporary art. What started as an idea among a group of passionate women quickly became a landmark event, laying the foundation for what would become a key moment in Trieste’s artistic and cultural landscape.

A Vision Turned Into Reality

The concept of BID was born from Alda Radetti, who gathered a group of like-minded women to create a space where female artists could showcase their work in an international context. Thanks to the support of Trieste’s Cultural Councillor, Giorgio Rossi, and the relentless efforts of the organizing team, the first edition came to life in record time.

Despite the challenge of launching an international biennale in just 45 days, BID17 succeeded in attracting a diverse range of artists and establishing itself as an essential platform for female creativity and cultural exchange.

An Inauguration with a Powerful Message

BID17 officially opened on November 25, 2017, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This date was chosen intentionally, reinforcing the event’s commitment to not only celebrating artistic talent but also amplifying the voices of women on critical social issues.

Held at Magazzino 26 in Trieste’s historic Porto Vecchio, the exhibition space was transformed into a multisensory journey featuring painting, sculpture, photography, video installations, and performances. The venue, with its industrial charm and historical significance, became the perfect backdrop for an exhibition that blended tradition with contemporary innovation.

An Impressive Start

The response to BID17 exceeded all expectations. The jury, composed of esteemed experts, selected a remarkable group of artists, including both emerging talents and established names.

One of the key successes of this edition was the creation of the BID17 catalog, curated by Neva Gasparo and Antonella Caroli, who worked tirelessly to produce it in just five days—an achievement that reflected the passion and dedication behind the project.

The opening ceremony saw a full-house auditorium, with a captivated audience witnessing the birth of what would become a significant event in the international art scene.

The First BID Team

The success of BID17 was made possible by a dedicated team of professionals, artists, and volunteers who worked behind the scenes. The first operational team included:

• Barbara Fornasir (Curator)
• Antonella Caroli
• Alda Radetti
• Luca Fano
• Seherzada Ahmetovic
• Neva Gasparo
• Chiara Motka
• Alessandra Postir
• Svetlana Klincic
• Ornella Urpis
• Gabriella Taddeo
• Giovanna Valenti
• Riccardo Piccolo
• Andrea Ferrarato
• Zeno Saracino

…and many more individuals who contributed their expertise and passion to making BID a reality.

The Legacy of BID17

BID17 was more than just an art exhibition—it was the beginning of a movement. It proved that there was a real need for a platform dedicated exclusively to female artists, offering them the recognition and space they had long been denied.

The overwhelming success of this first edition set the stage for future biennales, establishing BID as a permanent fixture in the international art scene.

ARTISTS  OF THE 1st INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S BIENNIAL

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