To the entire ABC No Rio community --

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 last night, Thursday, December 12th, 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. To finish making this philosophy a reality and complete our new building, we still have more work to do and funds to raise. We will need the continued help of community volunteers, new and old, to help run the collectives that make ABC No Rio what it is. Please get in touch.

In recognition that we will all be grieving as a community, we welcome you to send us your stories and musings (written or recorded), photographs, and videos of Steven that symbolize your time with him and the impact he had on your life. Who knows, maybe we’ll create something with it all. Please send to abc@abcnorio.org.

In solidarity,

-- From all of us at ABC No Rio.