The "Democratic Forest" biennial ends with a positive outcome
Around 30,000 people visited the 13th International Forest Art Trail in Darmstadt. After six weeks of exhibitions, the biennial event concluded on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in the forest near Böllenfalltor. Under the theme "Democratic Forest," 42 artists from 16 countries explored the relationship between humanity, nature, and democracy through installations, performances, music, and theater.
Curator Ute Ritschel was very pleased with the response. She was particularly gratified by the numerous conversations and discussions sparked by this year's theme. The artworks will remain in the forest for the time being, even after the official end of the exhibition.
Artists give the forest a voice
The 2.2-kilometer circular trail at Böllenfalltor was transformed into an open-air exhibition space from August 22nd to October 4th. The central question was what democracy has to do with the forest.
Curator Ute Ritschel had also initially grappled with this question. The impetus was the Biennale's participation in the international year of action "World Design Capital," whose guiding principle "Design for Democracy" formed the starting point.
Her answer became the guiding principle of the exhibition: “We want to give the forest a voice.”
The main focus was on becoming more aware of nature, granting it rights, and questioning the responsibility of humans in dealing with the forest.
From the forest pulpit to the parliament of trees
The artists approached the theme in different ways. The Dutchman Fredie Beckmans created a space with his "Forest Pulpit" reminiscent of the famous Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park.
Italian artist Emanuela Camacci created a retreat for quiet observation of nature with her "Space Time Capsule". Swiss artist Roger Rigorth developed a "Parliament of Trees", while Canadian artist Devora Neumark opened up another approach to the theme with "Letters to the Forest".
Playful and experimental works were also represented. Jens J. Meyer installed an "antenna for inspiration" intended to convey positive thoughts to forest visitors. Waltraud Munz-Heiliger invited people to play together with her "Forest Tree Mikado.".
Uli Muders addressed social issues in his work "Hidden Stories." Motifs printed on flags dealt with topics such as refuge and sustenance. Other works included the embroidered "Nature Dome" by Dina Rautenberg, "Tree of Life" by Varol Topac, and "Arch to Democratic Forest" by Rumen Dimitrov.
15 public tours and numerous discussions
During the exhibition weeks, 15 public guided tours took place. These allowed visitors to engage with the artworks and their background information.
“With around 30,000 guests from the region and beyond, the 13th International Forest Art Trail was once again a complete success,” explained Ute Ritschel.
The curator considered the discussions about the relationship between democracy and nature to be particularly important. "This is about the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, art and forest," she emphasized.
This year's Biennale was under the patronage of Darmstadt's mayor, Hanno Benz.
Forest art also at the Messel Pit
The International Forest Art Trail is no longer limited to its original location at the Böllenfalltor. Over its 24-year history, further exhibition venues have been added.
In 2026, the collaboration with the UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit and the UNESCO Global Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald continued. Three new art projects were created on the open-air grounds of the excavation site under the overarching theme of "Art, Forest, Fossil".
Another location was the International Forest Art Centre (IWZ) at Ludwigshöhstraße 137. There, the third “Digital Forest” was presented.
The accompanying program concluded with the eleventh International Forest Art Conference at the Schader Foundation. Artists, experts, and scientists exchanged ideas there on the themes of the Biennale.
A total of 40 new art projects
Last year, artists were invited to submit project ideas for the 13th International Forest Art Trail. Around 50 artists responded to this call.
Their proposals were documented in the “Democratic Forest Reader”, which is available as a brochure at the International Forest Art Centre and can also be viewed online.
Approximately 30 of the submitted project ideas were realized. Together with other works, a total of 40 art projects were created. These included 20 permanent installations and 20 temporary actions and performances.
The artworks will remain on display
Even after the end of the Biennale, the forest art trail is worth a visit. The artworks will remain, at least for the time being, and can still be explored independently.
The public guided tours ended with the closing of the exhibition. However, private tours can still be booked through the International Forest Art Centre.
At the main site Böllenfalltor, there are currently 42 permanent artworks from previous years of the Forest Art project, as well as 20 new works. A further eleven artworks can be found at the Messel Pit, four installations along the Modau Art Trail in Darmstadt-Eberstadt, and 15 works at the International Forest Art Center.
According to the organizing association for International Forest Art, around 130,000 to 150,000 people visit the various forest art sites each year.
Since the activities began, 238 artists from 47 countries have created a total of 411 works of art for forest art trails – not only in Darmstadt, but also in the USA, China, Africa and Austria.
The most important information
What: 13th International Forest Art Trail Darmstadt
Exhibition period: August 22 to October 4, 2026
Main theme: “Democratic Forest”
Number of visitors: approximately 30,000
Participants: 42 artists from 16 countries
Main location: Forest at Böllenfalltor, Darmstadt
Other locations: Messel Pit, International Forest Art Centre and Modau Art Trail
Viewing: The artworks will remain in place for the time being and are still accessible
Guided tours: Private guided tours can be booked through the International Forest Art Centre
Organizer: Association for International Forest Art e. V.
Further information: www.waldkunst.com
(DARMSTADT – RED/WK)
