 Construction of Storefront’s facade, designed by Steven Holl and Vito Acconci, 1993. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,
—–
It’s been a while since we’ve reached out from Storefront, and in the time since you last heard from us, it seems as though the world has become unrecognizable. In the past few months, we’ve been trying to take care of ourselves, and to make sure we can continue to advance our mission for many years to come.
—–
Storefront for Art and Architecture has always been a place of experimentation; a space where the boundaries between private and public are blurred, and an open and inclusive site of exchange where ideas about the built environment flow freely. But what does this look like in a pandemic?
—–
The ongoing crisis has exposed how simultaneously vulnerable and resilient we are. It’s made us reconsider our perspectives on health and safety, and reassess what it means to practice care. We have been thinking a lot about intersections: between bodies and spaces, between emotional well-being and political outrage, between expressions of hope and grief. Rather than rushing to respond, we have sought to reflect.
—–
Over the coming months, Storefront will interrupt its previously planned activities for On Maintenance, a new program that introduces an interjection and a moment of pause to reorient our perceptions of time and progress. We’ll dig into our archives and make use of our existing resources to present new and reframed works, including commissioned projects, performances, competitions, and digital programs that address the notion of maintenance. The first of these is the relaunch of StorefrontTV with a series of newly commissioned videos – see below for more info!
—–
In times like these, as the systems and values that comprise our societies continue to transform, we are thankful for one constant: our community. In the context of branded dialogue, digital distractions, and overproduction in the cultural sphere, the most valuable resource we have is your attention. We hope that Storefront’s mission of critical experimentation continues to resonate. If you have any thoughts or ideas for us, or if you’d just like to say hello and share what you’re up to, please feel free to drop us a line at info@storefrontnews.org.
—–
With appreciation and best wishes,
Storefront for Art and Architecture
c/o
José Esparza Chong Cuy, Executive Director and Chief Curator
Jinny Khanduja, Deputy Director
Jessica Kwok, Gallery and Operations Manager
|
Graphic design by Pentagram/Natasha Jen.
STAY TUNED:
StorefrontTV Season 3: On Maintenance
#sftv #storefronttv @onmaintenance @storefrontnyc
—–
StorefrontTV, an experimental broadcast channel initially presented in a live studio setting in 2014 and 2015, has been resurfaced and reformatted for 2020.
—–
Season 3 presents a series of newly commissioned videos that together explore the concept of maintenance in these unprecedented times; from protecting our neighborhoods to caring for our bodies and minds. Broadcast on a weekly basis, each episode provides artists and architects with a space to playfully and critically addresses a key aspect of contemporary society and culture through the lens of maintenance.
—–
The first episode, with artists Mariela Scafati and Daiana Rose, will air in early June. (Mariela’s planned Spring 2020 exhibition at Storefront, Bodybuildings, has been rescheduled until further notice).
—–
Stay tuned for more info on the schedule of episodes, participating artists and architects, and how to access the broadcasts. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram at @storefrontnyc and subscribe to our new StorefrontTV YouTube channel here. —–
Read more about the previous season of StorefrontTV here.
|
Still from Arabesque exhibition video by PLANE-SITE.
WATCH:
Arabesque Video by PLANE-SITE
#arabesque #rayyanetabet @storefrontnyc @plane_site
—–
Although Storefront’s gallery space remains closed, we invite you to learn more our existing exhibition, Arabesque. Click above or here to watch a brief video created by PLANE-SITE with artist Rayyane Tabet. In it, Tabet shares stories about chance encounters that led him to the historical figures who became the basis of the exhibition’s research and narrative. Watch the full video here.
Read more about the exhibition here.
|
 
REMEMBERING:
William Menking + Michael Sorkin
|
On Saturday, April 11th, Storefront’s longest standing board member, William Menking, passed away from complications due to lymphoma. After his 25-year tenure, we at Storefront are devastated to lose Bill, and have been at a loss for words to convey how important he was to us personally and professionally.
—–
Bill was the founder (with Diana Darling) and editor of The Architect’s Newspaper, and was a passionate, witty, and thoughtful champion of critical ideas in architecture. Spending time with Bill was a treat, as he was both informed and incisive, always carrying the spark of a radical spirit that was cultivated throughout his youth.
—–
At this time of social distance, we are especially sad to say goodbye to Bill. Ever the social being, he had an uncanny ability to create connections and form relationships, and it seemed as though he knew everyone and anyone.
—–
We wish comfort and peace to all who are feeling Bill’s loss. It’s hard to imagine a future without him, but his legacy will live on at AN, Storefront, and through the many students at Pratt whose lives he touched over the years.
—–
If you have a thought or memory of Bill that you’d like to share, please email us at info@storefrontnews.org; updates will also be posted on Storefront’s website. —–
—–
|
On March 26th, Storefront’s staff and board were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a dear friend, colleague, mentor, and advisor, Michael Sorkin, from complications due to COVID-19.
—–
The photo above was taken earlier this year on a visit of staff to his Tribeca studio, where we spent time catching up with him and hearing more about the recent publications and advocacy projects led by his nonprofit organization, Terreform
—–
Michael was a member of Storefront’s Advisory Board for decades and presented many projects at the gallery over the years, including solo shows such as Suburbs of Utopia and group projects such as After Tilted Arc, Postopolis, a design competition for Petrosino Park, and many more. His architectural and scholarly practice resonated deeply with Storefront’s mission to cultivate experimental and critical ideas about the built environment.
—–
Those close to Michael will remember his sharp mind and passionate sense of ethics, and his ability to connect disparate ideas, geographies, and philosophies in a single conversation. His wit and humor will be sorely missed.
—–
We wish peace and comfort to all of Michael’s loved ones, and are grateful for his legacy and contributions to the fields of architecture, planning, and beyond.
—–
https://aaqeastend.com/resources/buzz-chew-chevrolet-cadillac/
|
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
Artist Relief Grant Opportunity
https://aaqeastend.com/resources/buzz-chew-chevrolet-cadillac/
—–
Many individuals in our network and membership have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Storefront is pleased to participate as a reviewer for Artist Relief, an opportunity for artists and designers who are facing dire need amidst the current context.
—–
Artist Relief is an initiative organized by a coalition of national arts grantmakers, including Academy of American Poets, Artadia, Creative Capital, Foundation for Contemporary Arts, MAP Fund, National YoungArts Foundation, and United States Artists. The initiative is offering financial assistance in the form of grants of $5,000 to practicing artists who are working in any discipline and living in all fifty states, territories, and Tribal Nations.
—–
Each week from now until September, 100+ grants will be offered to artists demonstrating severe and urgent emergencies as a result of COVID-19. Artist Relief emphasizes the awarding of grants widely across discipline and geography, as well as ability, ethnicity, and gender.
—–
Learn more about Artist Relief here. To apply for a grant, see here.
—–
Donations to the initiative can be made here.
|
|
|
|
|
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
|
—–
In these trying times, we are especially grateful for the organizations, foundations, and members who have made contributions that enable us to continue Storefront’s mission of thinking creatively about our built environments. To support Storefront or become a member, please reach out to us at membership@storefrontnews.org.
—–
Storefront has received generous emergency support during the current pandemic from: The Willem de Kooning Foundation, The Jill and Peter Kraus Foundation, The David Teiger Foundation, The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, The Cy Twombly Foundation, The Fox Aarons Foundation, The Stavros Niarchos Foundation, The Blavatnik Family Foundation, The Luce Foundation, The Jacques and Natasha Gelman Foundation, Arison Arts Foundation, The Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation, The Richard Pousette-Dart Foundation, The David Rockefeller Fund, and The Robert Lehman Foundation.
—–
Storefront’s existing exhibition, Arabesque, is supported by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Violet Jabara Charitable Trust, and BKSK Architects.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  
Arabesque is the third exhibition in Storefront for Art and Architecture’s year-long program of exhibitions and events, Building Cycles. Founding support of Building Cycles is generously provided by Linde-Griffith Construction Company and the Graham Foundation.
Building Cycles has also been made possible through general support from Arup; DS+R; KPF; Steven Holl Architects; WXY architecture + design; the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; and by Storefront’s Board of Directors, members, and individual donors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
|
|
