Educate. Empower. Evolve
YENDOR is a boutique arts organization founded in New Jersey’s largest city, Newark. Founded in 2003, as the brainchild of the illustrious Rodney Gilbert, YENDOR was created to address the need for integrated public art in the city of Newark. With a passion for the arts and unwavering devotion to the welfare of others, Rodney sought to alleviate the challenges experienced by under-resourced artists and communities as it relates to cultural and artistic expression. Rodney believed arts education directly connected through the development of public art would initiate a powerful change in under resourced communities.
The organization prides itself on introducing the arts (in its various forms) to historically resilient communities and diverse populations through community-driven activities that include a portfolio of performing, visual, and wellness arts programs. We believe that public art is an anchor for economic growth and quality of life for residents.
YENDOR specializes in the scholastic, managerial, and installation aspects of creative placemaking. The work of the YENDORian team focuses on Arts & Stakeholder Management, Visual Arts, Arts Education, and Theatre (via Yendor Theatre Company). It is through this lens that we are able to liaise equitable arts programming by way of collaborative partnerships with Urban Municipalities, Corporate Entities, and Educational Institutions.
In the spirit of community development, restoration and sustenance, YENDOR also prides itself on providing advocacy opportunities that extend beyond the Arts. In its totality, YENDOR is dedicated to bringing the arts to the people.