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The vibrant art scene in New York City has a unique origin story that dates back to a winter night in 1979 on the Lower East Side. This story involves a daring break-in at an abandoned building, a bolt cutter hidden in a guitar case, and the birth of ABC No Rio, an independent art center known for its radical art and political activism. Despite facing numerous challenges such as eviction threats and building deterioration, ABC No Rio has remained a symbol of a bygone era in New York City.
However, the landscape of the Lower East Side has drastically changed over the years, with skyrocketing real estate prices and gentrification pushing out many long-time residents and businesses. In a surprising turn of events, ABC No Rio recently received $21 million in funding from the city to build a new facility on Rivington Street. This development marks a significant shift for the art center, which has historically operated on a shoestring budget and relied on grassroots support.
Steven Englander, the director of ABC No Rio, reflects on the complex evolution of the art center’s narrative. He grapples with questions about the implications of receiving public funding for an organization that has always prided itself on its anti-establishment ethos. As ABC No Rio moves into a new era with a state-of-the-art building, Englander is mindful of the center’s role in the changing socio-economic landscape of the Lower East Side.
The legacy of ABC No Rio is a testament to its commitment to showcasing alternative art forms and giving voice to marginalized communities. From its early days as a haven for squatters and punk rockers to its current status as a cultural institution, ABC No Rio has weathered many storms. As the art center prepares to transition to its new home, it faces both challenges and opportunities in preserving its grassroots spirit while adapting to a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood.
The mural outside Englander’s apartment serves as a reminder of ABC No Rio’s rebellious spirit and commitment to social justice. The image of figures with Molotov cocktails and the provocative slogan, “If yer gonna eat the rich, you gotta cook em first,” encapsulates the art center’s ethos of challenging the status quo and advocating for radical change.
In conclusion, ABC No Rio’s journey from a guerrilla art show in an abandoned building to a state-of-the-art facility funded by the city is a testament to the resilience and creativity of New York City’s art community. As the art center navigates the complexities of public funding and gentrification, it remains dedicated to its mission of promoting alternative art and empowering marginalized voices. With its new building set to open in the near future, ABC No Rio is poised to continue its legacy as a beacon of artistic freedom and social activism in the heart of the Lower East Side.
Source: The NY Times
