ABRAMOVIC SIGNS WITH KOOLHAAS FOR PERFORMANCE CENTER

Performance queen Marina Abramovic is teaming up with architect Rem Koolhaas’ firm OMA to design an $8 million Center for the Preservation of Performance Art in Hudson, N.Y. And, as Alexandra Peers reports at NYmag.com, the focus of the new institution will be on long-form performance art, ranging from six-hour-minimum works to those lasting several days.

Abramovic purchased the old tennis center four years ago, but plans were stalled largely because of preparations for her 2010 retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, “The Artist is Present.” Now, as she announced to the Core Club Tuesday night, she is prepared to move ahead with plans, and has even met with Hudson’s mayor to encourage developers to build an art-friendly hotel in the area.

Because the new institution is to be devoted to epic-length performances, plans call for the space to be outfitted with special wheeled seating stations, replete with lamps and dining tables. When guests fall asleep, employees wheel their chairs into sleeping areas, all of which is considered part of the performance.

Abramovic also intends to use the site as a training center, specializing in the instruction of how to properly view performance art.

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