Casco was founded in 1990 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, as a platform for experimental art. Since 1996 Casco has developed a critical program that explores art in the public realm, questioning the relation between art and its physical, social and political environment. In 2005 Casco took the new title of ‘Office for Art, Design and Theory’. This title set an agenda more clearly focused on an interdisciplinary practice that addresses each of these areas independently, but also explores cross-fertilization, shared concepts, critical discourses, and connections to other fields. The relationship between theory and practice is central to CascoÕs investigation within these fields. In January 2007, Casco moved to a new space on the Nieuwekade after 15 years based on the Oudegracht. The interior space of the new structure titled “Shack and Fence” was designed by Berlin-based designers ifau (institute for applied urbanism) and Jesko Fezer. The design provides a flexible framework for the various formats through which Casco presents its program.

Casco takes an open and flexible approach towards its program, producing projects that take numerous forms, such as a publications, discussions, workshops, exhibitions, symposiums, events or projects that exist in public space. Casco has also intermittently published its own magazine, Casco Issues, since 1996. Casco aims to question approaches to culture and applies this to their own existence in the cultural field. In addition to pursuing opportunities to work with varied modes of artistic production, Casco seeks to open up its own infrastructure to experimentation, to challenge and push ways of thinking about the role of the visual arts organization in the fields of art and design within wider social, cultural and political frameworks.

Casco’s diverse program of exhibitions, events, symposia, performance and publications spans across themes including; spatial design, collectivity, openness, governance, and alternate forms of economies. Projects thematically touch on many areas of societal life, however Casco is most dedicated to investigating the interconnected proponents of contemporary art, design and critical theory through interdisciplinary forms. Architecture, particularly the notion of space as a determined area for use, both physically and mentally, is central to their approach.

Most outstanding projects in recent years:

“User’s Manual: The Grand Domestic Revolution”, long-term “living research” project, Oct 2009–October 2010.

Ei Arakawa, “Hurt Locker Instruments”, Apr-Jun 2010.

Martha Rosler, “If you Lived Here Still…” (archive project), Jan–Mar 2010.

Metahaven, “Stadtstaadt. A Scenario for Merging Cities”, Sep–Nov 2009.

Fritz Haeg, “Animal Estates 6.0:” Utrecht, Sep–Nov 2008.

Ricardo Basbaum, “Re-projecting (Utrecht)”, Apr–May 2008.

Stephen Willats, “The Speculative Diagram”, Feb–Apr 2008.

Dave Hullfish Bailey, “What’s left for its own devices (on reclamation)”, Jun–Jul 2007.

Casco’s strength lies in its desire and ability to produce layered projects that rarely begin and end in one format while maintaining a sense of purpose.

An exhibition may incorporate a symposium or lecture into its program as a platform through which to unravel the subject matter more intensely. A performance, public discussion or lecture series may result in the production of an exhibition or a publication. Casco morphs formats of presentation and discussion, to found and direct new areas of research surrounding art, design and theory within the context of urban and social conditions.

Casco produces approximately 20 projects each year.

Casco’s website is not only illustrative of the carefully crafted layered program but is a key part of it. A double search engine allows viewers to search CascoÕs program in both a linear, chronological order and in a non-linear, thematic path. Through the content-driven searches the site highlights thematic threads running through the program and draws together the various connection points between projects. The website brings in additional contextual information that expands the projects and themes, and details of useful links.

Casco has a surface area of 150 m2 plus off-site locations. Casco has one main space that includes both an office and gallery.