MASEREEL
MASEREEL is a contemporary arts centre that combines an artist-centred artistic programme with an international residency operation for artists and critics, paying particular attention to printed matter-at-large. Within its artistic operation, MASEREEL produces and presents contemporary visual art, releases artist publications and editions, and organises events such as artist talks and an arts festival.
Equally fundamental is its international residency operation, which over the past decades has become one of the most challenging and inspiring environments for artists and critics to explore printed matter in all its facets or to engage within a wider practice. Located in a wooded setting and equipped with a dynamic printmaking workshop, the main emphasis is on development, creation and dialogue. Development residencies are the focal point of residency work and are ideally aimed at contemporary artists who wish to broaden and deepen their own artistic practice during an intense six-week working stay. MASEREEL also organises short-term residencies for critics, alumni, artist collectives and students.
Whereas until early 2025, the original name was shortened to Frans Masereel Centrum, the arts centre has borne the name MASEREEL since 10 March 2025. This embraces embraces both its rich history and call sign. At the same time, the name change makes makes clear that MASEREEL is neither a knowledge centre about visual artist Frans Masereel nor does it position itself as an institute. MASEREEL considers itself a perpetual start-up where the artist - as creator and as figure - is central.
The choice of MASEREEL as the new name completes a recent rebranding as an arts centre with a dual core mission (artistic and residency work), but certainly not an end point. From 2025, for instance, MASEREEL will organise the international biannual international biennial RHIZOMA, on and around its own site. In addition is working behind the scenes to open up an extensive collection for researchers, and from 2026, residents will stay in a brand new artists' pavilion accommodation.
