About
OUR MANIFESTO
Situated in the bustling center of Newark, New Jersey, Equal Space offers a one-of-a-kind workspace that transcends the ordinary. More than just a workspace, Equal Space is a vibrant community, a testament to the strength of diversity, and a catalyst for innovation. It serves as a launchpad for dreams, a hub for collaboration, and a crucible for innovation. Our core values of equality, teamwork, and creativity permeate every aspect of our space. As Equal Space continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to creating collaborative environments that empower entrepreneurs and creatives alike. Together, we forge ahead with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking the full potential of all.
1. All Voices :
Inclusivity at the Core
At Equal Space, diversity fuels innovation, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice matters. Our vibrant community unites dreamers and creators, driving collaborative progress and lasting impact.
2. Elevating Dreams:
Innovation Beyond Boundaries
Equal Space empowers dreamers to redefine possibilities, pioneering innovation in Newark’s vibrant landscape. As a launchpad for success, we welcome all striving to make a positive impact, whether startups, nonprofits, or creative ventures.
3. Community as Cornerstone:
Impact that Resonates
Equal Space fosters a thriving community beyond conventional co-working, where support and success go hand in hand. As Newark’s innovation core, we catalyze transformative influence, inviting all to join us in shaping an inclusive, innovative future.
Equal Space was created to address the real challenges faced by entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. The concept grew out of Citi Medina’s first company, MedinaCiti, a boutique design house where the need for accessible space, community, and shared resources became clear.
Built as a culturally affirming shared workspace, Equal Space supports founders, creatives, and innovators by expanding access to space, tools, and opportunity. The campus was designed to be a place where identity is respected, collaboration feels natural, and growth is supported with intention.
ES89 CAMPUS
Situated in downtown Newark within the historic Max Blau Building, our Social Justice and Creative campus brings together mission driven startups and content creators supporting the city’s creative economy. The 19,000 square foot campus features content suites, meeting and convening rooms, and dedicated workspaces designed to support focus, collaboration, and real impact.
More than a physical space, ES89 is the original flagship of Equal Space, serving as a hub for connection, innovation, and community driven work.
ES550 CAMPUS
Equal Space’s Tech and Innovation Campus is a thriving hub designed to cater to startups of all sizes and across various industries. Spanning an impressive 50,000 square feet, our campus offers a diverse range of suites, offices, and multi-room headquarters tailored to meet the unique needs of every company and team. Our state-of-the-art amenities include a spacious 300-person event space, cutting-edge podcast and media studios, well-equipped green rooms, and an array of convening rooms ideal for hosting a wide range of gatherings and meetings. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business seeking the perfect headquarters, Equal Space provides the ideal environment to foster innovation, collaboration, and success.
OUR TEAM
A team built for shared success, our diverse community brings a wide range of experience and perspectives. From seasoned entrepreneurs to emerging technologists, each member contributes distinct skills and insight that support collaboration, creativity, and growth across Newark’s innovation ecosystem.
OUR CREATIVES
The Rorshach Collective
RORSHACH, comprised of brothers Andre León and Robert Ramone, originates from Newark, New Jersey, a city known for its gritty yet captivating essence. Raised in immigrant Latino families amidst the challenges of inner-city life, their upbringing forged a deep connection transcending mere blood ties. Despite differing interests – Andre’s passion for fine art contrasting with Robert’s involvement in graffiti – their paths converged, birthing a unique artistic synergy reminiscent of Voltron. Combining efforts, they developed a distinctive style blending fine art and graffiti seamlessly. Today, their focus centers on capturing the essence of their environment – a blend of chaos and beauty, oppression and freedom, inspiring boundless creativity. Characterizing their work defies simple classification, often described as a fusion of narrative figurative realism and abstract expressionist graffiti.
OUR CREATIVES
Tanisha Best
Tanisha Best, an artist based in Newark, draws inspiration from an unexpected encounter in 2011 while exploring Harlem. Captivated by an image reflected in a puddle, she conceived her notable series, 'Puddles,' encouraging viewers to see their surroundings from new perspectives. Despite lacking formal swimming skills, Best's deep connection with water drives her exploration of city pools, transforming ordinary puddles into captivating urban landscapes. Evolving alongside environmental changes, Best now focuses on capturing Newark's essence, offering fresh perspectives on its dynamic character. Beyond art, Best empowers female creators, celebrating their resilience and creativity as transformative forces. Inspired by remarkable women in her life, she pays forward daily inspiration, contributing to a narrative of strength and empowerment in the artistic community and beyond.
OUR CREATIVES
Yendor
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.
OUR CREATIVES
David Oquendo
David D. Oquendo, a New Jersey-based artist originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, explores identity and language in his work. Mentored by Denyse Thomasos, Oquendo earned his BFA in Painting and a Minor in Art History from Rutgers University in 2009, and an MFA in Painting from Montclair State University in 2012. His art has been shown across New Jersey, New York, Florida, and the UK, with solo exhibitions at Solo(s) Project House in Newark, NJ, the Henao Contemporary Center in Orlando, FL, and Equal Space in Newark, NJ. He enriches urban spaces through murals in New Jersey and New York. As an educator, he has worked with The Robeson Galleries at Rutgers University and leads the Visual Arts Department at Bard Early College in Newark. His 'Metaphrase' writing system, seen in wall renderings, paintings, and sculptures, explores his childhood struggle with language, revealing complexities in communication and self-expression.
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