MASEREEL

From 10 March 2025, the Frans Masereel Centre will officially bear the name MASEREEL. This name change reflects our recent growth into a dynamic centre for contemporary art, where creation, development and dialogue are central.  

 As a contemporary art centre, we have for some time operated based on the basis of two autonomous but complementary programmes: an artist-oriented artistic programme on the one hand, and an international residency programme for artists and critics on the other.   

In several conversations with artists, staff and colleagues, it became clear that our old name lacked the clarity and dynamism we needed. The sustainable transformation our organisation has undergone since mid-2019 called for a new name. Moreover, without sacrificing our rich history – and that of printed matter – the name MASEREEL makes it clear that we are neither a research centre focused on the work of Frans Masereel – one of the most important Belgian artists of the first half of the 20th century – nor consider ourselves an institution. As such, the change responds positively to a number of issues that have occupied our team and supporters for some time.     

The new name is accompanied by a new logo, an updated visual identity and a new website, developed by Studio Remco van Bladel and Studio RGB.

What’s cooking?    

• RHIZOMA – Biennial of contemporary art: In May 2025, we will launch the first edition of RHIZOMA. At five locations in Kasterlee, 14 international artists will present several new creations, alongside recent and historical work never before seen in Belgium. The full list of participating artists and the thematic framework will be revealed at the end of March.  

• New artists’ pavilion: We are preparing the construction of a brand new pavilion for residents, designed by U/Define and Frantzen et al, following the principles of circular construction. We anticipate welcoming residents again from mid-2026; the open call will be launched in autumn 2025.
   

MASEREEL as a perpetual start-up  

Founded in 1972, with an extraordinary history dating back to the mid-1960s, MASEREEL has grown over the past decades to become one of the most challenging and inspiring creative spaces for artists and critics. With a professionally equipped graphic studio and a strong focus on experimentation and exchange, we host dozens of artists every year. In recent years, we also initiated solo exhibitions with Walter Swennen, Slavs & Tatars and Simon Denny, group exhibitions with new work by Amy Sillman, Marina Pinsky and Pélagie Gbaguidi, among others, and publications by artists such as Melissa Gordon, Nora Turato and Wim Cuyvers.   

With the launch of RHIZOMA and the arrival of our new pavilion, we are further extending this commitment. The choice of MASEREEL does not represent a break with the past, but an evolution where there is room for development and growth, as well as self-reflection, diversity and that which does not yet exist.