KASTERLEE.- Starting in March 2025, Frans Masereel Centrum in Kasterlee (Belgium) will be known as MASEREEL. The renaming accompanies the recent confirmation of MASEREEL as a centre for contemporary art at the intersection of creation, development and dialogue.
At the core of MASEREEL’s mission lie two autonomous yet interconnected programmes: on the one hand, an artist-driven exhibition and commissioning programme, and on the other, an international residency programme for artists and critics.
Over the course of many conversations with artists, staff and peers, it became clear that our former name lacked the same clarity and dynamism. The sustainable transformation our organization has undergone since mid-2019 called for a new name. Moreover, without sacrificing our rich history, and that of printmaking, the name MASEREEL makes it clear that we are neither a research centre on the work of Frans Masereel—one of the most important Belgian artists of the first half of the twentieth century—nor do we see ourselves as an institution. As such, the change responds positively to a number of issues that have preoccupied our staff and community for some time.
The introduction of our new name comes with the launch of a new logo, visual identity and website, developed by Studio Remco van Bladel and Studio RGB.
What’s cooking?
In May 2025, MASEREEL will launch the inaugural edition of RHIZOMA—biennial for contemporary art. Spread across five indoor and outdoor venues within walking distance of each other, fourteen international artists will show several newly commissioned works, in combination with recent and historical works never shown in Belgium before. The full list of artists and the thematic framework will be announced at the end of March.
In addition, we are currently preparing for the construction of a brand new artist pavilion, designed by U/Define and Frantzen et al according to the principles of circular building. This new pavilion will be in use from mid-2026 for our residency programme.
MASEREEL’s background
Established in 1972, with roots that go back to the mid-1960s, MASEREEL boasts an acclaimed, professionally equipped printmaking studio, where artists can challenge and widen their artistic practice with the support of our master printers, visiting tutors and fellow residents. Each year, some forty individual artists and ten artist collectives participate in our residency programmes.
While mainly known for its residency programme, MASEREEL never limited itself to only organizing residencies. This approach was intensified by MASEREEL’s current director, Stijn Maes, who since 2019 has initiated solo exhibitions by Walter Swennen, Slavs & Tatars and Simon Denny, as well as group projects including Amy Sillman, Pélagie Gbaguidi, Emmanuelle Quertain, Joris Van de Moortel and Marina Pinsky, among others, and publications by artists such as Mellissa Gordon, Nora Turato and Wim Cuyvers. Initiating the RHZOMA biennial adds a new chapter to our artistic programme from 2025.
As such, MASEREEL does not signal a wiping clean of the slate, but the kind of renewal that facilitates growth—by listening to artists, and the world that surrounds us.
