Pagine del Garda Book Exhibition Celebrates Its Eighth Edition in Arco

This afternoon at 4 p.m., the event concludes with the presentation of the book «L’industria del forestiere» by Mauro Grazioli and the subsequent roundtable discussion featuring Enzo Bassetti, Marco Benedetti, and Enio Meneghelli, marking the eighth edition of the book exhibition «Pagine del Garda».

An event that Arco hosts with great enthusiasm, emphasizing its value is even reinforced by the involvement of art critic Mario Cossali. “A cultural event of the highest order, the ‘Pagine del Garda’ review,” Cossali writes, “held in the beautiful rooms of the Casinò Municipale of Arco, has reached its eighth edition this year—more vibrant than ever.”

Thanks to the voluntary work of members of the Sommolago magazine and association and the discreet and attentive surveillance provided by members of the “Lega Vita Serena” of Arco, hundreds of visitors encounter a distinct type of Trentino, Venetian, Lombard culture that the shores of “Benaco” have continued to nurture over time.

Reflections on the cultural value of the event

Reflecting on this fact and its peculiarities, it becomes clear that it is a characteristic element—often overlooked or, worse, censored—of a sort of political-cultural identity or perhaps better described as an anthropological dimension that spans much of Trentino, which could be helpful to recognize especially in these times of dull disorientation.

The Arco exhibition presents many micro-stories that touch on localism but also features many “lesser-known” figures from Trentino history, whose lives seem like a well filled with small treasures.

It immerses us in an incredible series of connections, not only interregional but also broadly European, revealing extraordinary pathways in art, economics, and social relations.

Considerations on the exhibition and its value

Intentionally, I refrain from mentioning, to avoid favoritism, book titles or author names, but I feel compelled to underline the overall value of the exhibition, its significant impact, driven by a small yet conscious and perhaps somewhat pretentious ambition—an ambition that Trentino often displays even in the most prestigious venues.