Events
May 6: BBQ Picnic to Launch Al-Bustan’s 2nd Decade
We invite friends, students, and families to a
BBQ Picnic to launch Al-Bustan’s 2nd decade
We will play sports, make some art, play some drums, have some food, and share some memories!
Date: Sunday, May 6, 2012
Time: 2-5pm
Location: Militia Hill Pavillion in Fort Washington Park, 500 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Map: Militia Hill Pavilion in Fort Washington Park
RSVP: contact us or call 267-809-3668
Dec 9: Presenting Suheir Hammad in Evening of Poetry and Music
The third event in Al-Bustan’s Arab Music Concert Series presents poet Suheir Hammad in a sure to be memorable evening of poetry and music, with an opening set featuring the Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble led by Music Director Hanna Khoury.
Suheir Hammad is the author of three poetry collections and has written and performed in the Tony-winning Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, and starred in the 2008 Cannes official selection film Salt of This Sea.
The Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble is a community-based ensemble of singers and instrumentalists led by Hanna Khoury on violin, Kinan Abou-afach on cello, Kinan Idnawi on oud, and Hafez El Ali Kotain on percussion. They will perform a selection of songs and instrumental pieces by Mohamad Abdel Wahab, Farid Al-Atrach, Rahbani Brothers, and A. J. Racy.
Date: Friday, December 9, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Trinity Center for Urban Life at 22nd and Spruce Street in Center City, Philadelphia
Discounted Parking is kindly offered by EZ Park at several nearby locations. Click here to download parking coupon to present to parking attendant.
Admission: FREE, no advanced ticket reservations, first come – first seated
Questions? Contact Al-Bustan or call 267-809-3668.
Film Screening: Salt of This Sea
Al-Bustan and UPenn’s GIC, PASS, and Wharton Pennguins are pleased to present
SALT OF THIS SEA
This feature film by Annemarie Jacir, starring Suheir Hammad and Saleh Bakri, tells the story of a Brooklyn woman who travels to the West Bank and Israel to discover her roots and recover her grandfather’s savings that were frozen in a bank account in Jaffa when he was exiled in 1948. Determined to reclaim what is hers, she fulfills her life-long dream of “returning” to Palestine.
The film screening is followed by conversation over delicious Arab cuisine! Food generously provided by Leila Cafe, Ariana, and Falafel House.
Click here for a full description of the film.
Date: Friday, December 2, 2011
Time: 6-9:00pm
Admission:
FREE for Penn students
$10 for community members
Location: Terrace Room – Claudia Cohen Hall, University of Pennsylvania, 249 South 36th Street
SAVE THE DATE for when Suheir Hammad visits Philadelphia for an inspiring evening of poetry and music: December 9 at 7:30pm
For a map with parking options click here.
Support Al-Bustan on its 10th Anniversary!
January 2012 Update:
We are happy to report that by year-end 2011, we met and exceeded our matching pledge, BIG Thanks to our supporters for believing in our mission and work! Now onto seeing 2012 through with many exciting programs to implement. Your continued support means a lot to us. We welcome your input and participation as we expand and prosper…and of course making a donation for 2012 will be much appreciated and will go a long way for us!
November 2011
Al-Bustan is pleased to celebrate its 10th anniversary! There is no better time to invite you to join us in commemorating ten years of successfully sowing the seeds of Arab arts and culture in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
In 2002 Al-Bustan was launched as a summer camp for 18 boys and girls. Since that time, Al-Bustan has become an established year-round organization serving youth and adults. With the support of individuals like you, our expanded programming has made a difference in our community in many ways by:
- offering school and community-based educational arts and language programs
- targeting underserved communities of immigrants and Arab-Americans
- providing educators with resources for instruction on Arab arts and culture
- exposing the broader public to presentations of the highest quality Arab arts
- fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange
We need your help to sustain these invaluable programs!
A generous donor has pledged $10,000 to Al-Bustan if we are able to match it with another $10,000 between now and December 31, 2011. You can double the impact of your support and help us raise $20,000 by making a tax-deductible contribution to Al-Bustan today! Donors at the $500 level and above will be invited to an exclusive event with Tunisian vocalist Sonia M’Barek during the week of March 19th!
Although we have been successful over the past years in obtaining grants, such as the National Endowment for the Arts for the 6th consecutive year, given the state of the economy, we are facing major cuts from public agencies and private foundations. Now more than ever, we need you to demonstrate that you value what we do with your financial support.
The reality is that fees for programs and ticket sales do not cover the costs of our work.
We hope you will choose to support the unique work of Al-Bustan and make your tax-deductible gift – click here!
July 28, 2011: End-of-Camp Performance and Exhibit
It has been a busy and fun-filled time at Al-Bustan Camp this summer. An amazingly talented and dedicated team of teachers, counselors and staff have pulled together a program that stimulates the campers’ creativity on many levels. We invite you to take a look at all the photos, videos and writings posted on AL-BUSTAN’S BLOG… and better yet, please come to our end-of-camp performance and exhibit and see this creative process for yourself!
Here are the details for Thursday, July 28, 6-8pm:
• The campers’ culminating performance will include singing, drumming, dance, poetry, and videos, along with an art exhibit.
• The event is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Upper School Auditorium of Springside School. Enter through the school’s main entrance at 8000 Cherokee St, Philadelphia 19118. Once you are in the building, pass through the lobby and turn left to find the auditorium.
To view the camp site and neighborhood map, click on the image below.
