Updated: 12/19: ABC No Rio announced this memorial fundraiser in Englander's memory.
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It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our visionary director, Steven Englander.As many of you knew, Steven was diagnosed with a rare form of lung disease over a decade ago. Despite a successful lung transplant 6 years ago, Steven passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, comfortable, pain-free, and surrounded by the two things he lived for — his family and the ABC No Rio community.Those who knew Steven were touched by his commitment to the New York City DIY arts community. He helped mold ABC No Rio into a sanctuary for New York activists, artists, and musicians through the simple act of believing that what you had to say was relevant, powerful, and, if given a platform, transformative. Steven dedicated his life to inclusive, community-run art spaces that give voice to oppositional culture, and we will be forever grateful for his work.Not only did Steven's philosophy shape what ABC No Rio became, but he also shaped what it will become. A true visionary for what was possible, Steven began planning and fighting for the creation of a brand-new arts center over 20 years ago. And as a testament to his 'by hook or by crook' mentality and his belief in collective power, it's happening. His dream's realization is underway, with ongoing construction work following July's groundbreaking ceremony.When the new ABC No Rio building opens its doors, Steven's philosophy will once again have a home to flourish and inspire the next generation of DIY art culture.
He was 63.
ABC No Rio's new building is under construction at the site of its previous home on Rivington Street between Suffolk and Clinton on the Lower East Side. There's an expected 2027 reopening date.
Among the tributes...
Englander's passing comes two months after the death of another longtime resident who was intrumental in creating spaces for artists and performers — Cowboy Ray Kelly, sculptor, leader of the Rivington School, and co-founder of the performance space NoSeNo. He died Oct. 12 at age 79.
Oh, that's terribly sad. I am happy to hear though that he had a successful lung transplant, and I trust that it gave him the chance to continue to live and enjoy his precious life.
ReplyDeleteSteven was generous of spirit and always a joy for me, to be in his company -
ReplyDeleteGone but never forgotten. RIP.
ReplyDeleteVery sad about this RIP Steve
ReplyDeleteSteve was inspired by the people of the LES whose independent-mindedness, wild creativity and self-sufficiency enabled No Rio to be a hive of anarchic creativity and progress. The area was a place where 35 years ago you could walk a ten block circuit every night of the week and go in and out of over 20 independent venues to experience amazing culture, mostly for free or just a couple of dollars. As those places all faded away and after No Rio's building was emptied Steve was a living bridge of continuity for its future. What he preserved, protected, promoted and kept growing is a singular example of the LES's creative heritage that is now almost totally gone. Collectivized, community culture done with no interest or need for profit, providing a safe place for challenging, confrontational, creativity.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I participated in an open call art show at ABC-NoRio. When I went to pick up my work at the end of the week, Steve was giving everyone $7, the usual stipend for artists had been divided up for everyone who dropped something off. “Have breakfast on us” he told me. It always stuck with me as such a kind gesture, committed to spreading what thin resources they had to everyone they can. RIP Steve, sad he couldn’t see the new space opened.
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