Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

 Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is dedicated to presenting and teaching Arab culture through the arts and language.

“Al-Bustan,” Arabic for “The Garden,” offers structured exposure to the language, art, architecture, music, dance, literature, and natural environment of the Arab world. Al-Bustan promotes cross-cultural understanding among youth and adults of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds through artistic and educational programs. Al-Bustan supports the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity, while playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

Our Programs Include:

Al-Bustan Presenting Series features internationally-acclaimed guest artists in collaboration with our renowned resident Takht Ensemble for residency activities that include a week of rehearsals, workshops and demonstrations, culminating with a concert performance in Philadelphia.

Al-Bustan Camp provides a fun, welcoming, and enriching environment where children engage with Arab arts and culture through music, storytelling, visual art, nature, and Arabic language instruction.

Adult Instruction- The Philadelphia Arab Music Ensembles are open to youth and adults of diverse backgrounds interesting in learning to play and sing the classical and traditional repertoire of Arab music.

Periodically, based on interest and capacity, we offer other adult instruction in Arab Arts & Culture. These opportunities include professional development courses for educators.

Youth Education- Al-Bustan offers in-school, after school, and weekend or summer programs in Arabic language, percussion, music, and visual art. These programs are generally held in Philadelphia schools based on interest and capacity.

Al-Bustan Digital Education are online resources with interactive learning and playing applications to further educators’ and students’ understanding and appreciation of the Arabic language, arts, culture, and history.