welcomeahlan

Welcome to Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
Ahlan Wa Sahlan Fi Al-Bustan

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is dedicated to educating youth in Arabic language, arts, and culture.  We are a registered tax-exempt non-profit organization based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Our programs in Arab arts education include:

  • summer camp in July
  • Arab music instruction and youth music ensembles
  • Arab arts classes in Philadelphia public schools
  • presentations by renowned Arab literary, visual, and performing  artists
  • workshops/demonstrations by master teaching artists
  • We invite you to browse our site, learn about our programs, and contact us with any questions or ideas you would like to share with us.

    Al-Bustan News

    Video Highlights of Al-Bustan’s Evening of Arab Music

    See video clips of concert held on December 4, 2009.

    Arab Music Played a Full House at Penn

    Read about our concert of Arab music and see photos of the wonderful evening.

    Al-Bustan Launches Arab Music Ensemble

    See Video and Photos of Arab Music Ensemble in progress.

    In Memory of Hilda Barakat

    Remembering a long-time friend of Al-Bustan.

    Al-Bustan Camp – July 2009 – In Action

    Camp-2009 View two videos of Camp in Action!

    Upcoming & Recent Events

    February 7 and 8: Simon Shaheen in Philadelphia

    Shaheen leads master workshops with 3 ensembles and juries competition.

    Sign-Up for Arab Percussion Workshops – Winter Season

    Registration is open to youth and adults for 7-weeks of Arab percussion with Hafez El Ali Kotain, starting February 13, 2010.

    Join The Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble

    Registration is open for anyone interested to join the Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble, starting on January 13, 2010.

    Auditions Open for Simon Shaheen All-Star Music Ensemble

    Young instrumentalists are invited to audition February 8, 2010 to perform with Simon Shaheen.

    December 4: An Evening of Arab Music

    Al-Bustan presents a concert of classical Arab Music at U-Penn

    Nov/Dec: See Al-Bustan and Others Around Town

    Check out these upcoming events of interest. . .

    October 30: Come Make Art with Tremain Smith

    Opening reception for “Nahnu al-Amal/We Are the Hope” exhibit . . . see photos of art-making at reception!

    October 25: Opening Reception at Penn Museum

    Al-Bustan brings Arab music and calligraphy to reception for new exhibit “Iraq’s Ancient Past: Rediscovering Ur’s Royal Cemetery.”