FABnyc Holds Reception for Kickstarter Backers, 1/30

Fourth Arts Block (FABnyc) is proud to announce the Kickstarter campaign success for ArtUp, FABnyc's public art program in the Lower East Side. On, December 29, 2011 over 70 backers pushed through the $3,000 goal. Individuals invested between $1 and $1,000 to help FABnyc expand public art projects in unconventional spaces.

FABnyc is throwing a special reception for its backers on Monday, January 30 between 6:30 and 8:30PM. The event is being generously hosted by Ellabess, one of four Epicurean Management restaurants in NYC. The New American restaurant, named after Chef Troy Unruh's grandmother, features farm fresh ingredients and is located at the ground level of the Nolitan Hotel at 153 Elizabeth Street.

FABnyc's Kickstarter campaign helped build broader support for ArtUp, which programs public art on unexpected and underutilized space in the urban environment and seeks to spark conversations about culture and community identity in the ever-changing landscape of the Lower East Side. Current sites include scaffolding bridges, construction storage containers, and a low-traffic pedestrian alley. These mundane spaces have been activated with original creative works, giving people an opportunity to access art outside gallery and institutional settings, and experiencing the streets differently as a break from the daily routine.

The funds will support new exhibitions on existing and additional sites, including artist materials and fees; curation and management; print costs of signage, posters and postcards; community and press outreach, including video/print interviews, photography, social media, and promotion; installation costs; and opening reception and public programs.