Steven Durland, Performance Art Advocate and High Performance Editor, Dies at 75
Steven Durland, a versatile artist, writer, editor, and cultural organizer, died on March 11 at 75 in Saxapahaw, North Carolina, according to his partner, Linda Frye Burnham. Born in 1951 in Long Beach, California, he was raised in South Dakota. Durland edited High Performance magazine from 1986 to 1994, featuring notable artists like Nancy Buchanan and Carolee Schneemann. He received his BFA from the University of South Dakota and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Durland was instrumental in founding the 18th Street Arts Center and Highways Performance Space and co-edited The Citizen Artist in 1998. His latest solo show, Inflation Gauge, was held in January. He leaves behind Burnham, their dogs, siblings, and stepchildren.
Key facts
- Steven Durland died on March 11 at age 75 after a brief illness.
- His death was confirmed by Linda Frye Burnham in Saxapahaw, North Carolina.
- He was editor of High Performance magazine from 1986 to 1994.
- High Performance featured artists such as Nancy Buchanan, Carolee Schneemann, Paul McCarthy, Suzanne Lacy, and Ulysses Jenkins.
- Durland earned a BFA from the University of South Dakota and an MFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- He co-founded 18th Street Arts Center, Highways Performance Space, and Art in the Public Interest.
- In January 2026, Highways Performance Space mounted his solo exhibition Inflation Gauge.
- The exhibition coincided with the launch of High Performance: A 2-Year Conference (2025–2027).
Entities
Artists
- Steven Durland
- Linda Frye Burnham
- Nancy Buchanan
- Carolee Schneemann
- Paul McCarthy
- Suzanne Lacy
- Ulysses Jenkins
- Diane Gamboa
- Daniel Joseph Martinez
- Tim Miller
- Susanna Bixby Dakin
- Arlene Raven
- Marina Abramović
- Ulay
- Harry Gamboa Jr.
- Jenni Sorkin
Institutions
- High Performance
- Getty Research Institute
- 18th Street Arts Center
- Highways Performance Space
- Art in the Public Interest
- Performance Art Museum
- Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions
- South Dakota Arts Council
- University of South Dakota
- University of Massachusetts Amherst
Locations
- Saxapahaw
- North Carolina
- Long Beach
- California
- South Dakota
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Santa Monica
- Madison
- Amherst