Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Rooted in Arab arts and language, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches cross-cultural understanding and celebrates diversity.

Beginning in 2002 with a youth summer camp, “Al-Bustan,” Arabic for “The Garden,” has steadily grown to serve youth and adults of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, while supporting the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity and playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

Core values embrace the importance of language, role of the arts, artistic quality, and cultural production. 

Main Initiatives:

Arts at Al-Bustan’s Hub

-    presenting a series of performances workshops, and commissioned works that include art, music, poetry, film, dialogue, featuring Arab and non-Arab artists  https://www.albustanseeds.org/hub/

Arab Arts After-School Program at Moffet School and Juniata Park Academy

-    teaching foundational skills in art, singing, and percussion and fostering cultural understanding at two Philadelphia public schools  www.albustanseeds.org/school-partnerships/

Al-Bustan Camp

-    annual language and cultural day camp held in July for children of diverse backgrounds (scholarships offered), with an integrated language, arts and nature study curriculum organized around Arab cultural and historical themes www.albustanseeds.org/teaching/al-bustan-camp/

An Immigrant Alphabet

-    expanding upon the collaborative public art project created by Northeast High School students and Wendy Ewald to engage diverse communities around immigrants and immigration across the city  www.ialphabet.org

Tabadul: Cross-Cultural Exchange through the Arts  

-    in-school programming at Northeast High School that extends the impact of An Immigrant Alphabet within the school community www.albustanseeds.org/school-partnerships/

Educational Resources

-    developing printed and interactive digital educational resources available online at Al-Bustan Digital Education: www.albustanseeds.org/digital-education/

-    supporting educators through workshops and training in understanding and appreciation of the Arabic language, arts and culture