ABC No Rio, formerly squatted cultural centre in New York City
ABC No Rio is a nonprofit art center in Manhattan that operates as a self-managed space hosting exhibitions, events, and a fanzine library. The venue provides studios, gallery areas, and community spaces where artists create, display work, and engage with visitors.
Founded in 1980, this center became a hub for artists and activists in the Lower East Side. It emerged during a period of grassroots cultural organizing and has maintained its independent character through decades of changing neighborhoods.
ABC No Rio operates as a self-managed space where art and community gatherings blend together in everyday practice. Visitors encounter experimental exhibitions alongside neighborhood meetings, reflecting how the place serves as a gathering point for artists and residents seeking alternatives to mainstream venues.
The space is accessible by public transportation and located in a neighborhood with many other art venues and local businesses. Check ahead for current events and exhibitions, as the schedule varies and hours may differ depending on activities.
The center maintains a fanzine library holding DIY publications and underground prints that document the history of independent media. This collection reflects decades of creative resistance and gives visitors insight into grassroots artistic expression beyond what appears on gallery walls.
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