Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture

Street Movies! is a free screening and performance series bringing artists and independent short films to vibrant community spacesPresented in partnership with Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, join us on Thursday, April 3rd for a curated screening of Middle Eastern shorts that combine politics with sci-fi and the supernatural. This program is co-curated by Joseph Fahim and will feature an opening performance by Palestinian composer and Buzoq player, Jiryis Murkus Ballan.Film Program:In Vitro (Dir. Larissa Sansour & Soren Lind, Palestine/Denmark/UK, 2019, 28 min): Commissioned by the Danish Arts Foundation for the 58th Venice Biennale, In Vitro, co-directed with Søren Lind, is

Kan Yama Kan Storytime with Ms. Dina In both Arabic and English Featuring Hantush, a story written by Salha Hamdeen, a 14 year old Palestinian girl from the Jahalin Bedouin tribe, where her imaginary pet lamb, Hantush, helps her escape her reality and roam the world.First, Ms. Dina will read the story using Arabic and English interchangeably. Then, together, we will revisit key terms from the story while practicing the Arabic alphabets. For example: ح for حنتوش. Finally, together we will discuss the lessons we draw from the story. Tickets are $5! If you or your child are in one

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is thrilled to announce an extraordinary evening of live music featuring former Syrian prisoners of war Hassan Abd Alrahman, Asaad Shlash, Faraj Birkdar, Kesra Kurdi, Ibrahim Byrakdar, Haitham Alkatreb and Adnan Hassan. These seven musicians will perform the live in concert on March 22nd, 2025, at 7:00 PM at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, located at 310 W Master St. Philadelphia, PA. Thirty years ago, a group of political prisoners formed a band inside the cells of Syria’s notorious Sednaya Prison—dubbed the "Human Slaughterhouse" by Amnesty International in 2017—to resist the oppressive noise that deepened their suffering.

All year long, Al-Bustan's After School Arab Arts Students make artwork with their instructor, Saria Rosenhaj. The program introduces students to technical art forms while celebrating the depth and cultural significance of Arab arts. "Al-Bustan" is Arabic for "The Garden." The objective of the program is to plant seeds of creative expression through cross-cultural exchange and arts education. Al-Bustan is excited to welcome students from John Moffet and Samuel Powel schools into the Al-Bustan Gallery to showcase their artwork through an exhibition entitled Storyburst. Over the past few months, students at both schools participated in visual storytelling through a multitude

Tatreez Workshop with Johara Shamaa February 22nd, 2025 at 6 PM In this workshop, we will explore the rich history and cultural significance of Tatreez, the traditional Palestinian embroidery. Participants will learn about the origins of this art form, the different techniques used, and the symbolism behind motifs and patterns. We will learn about thobes from different Palestinian cities, understanding how each region’s style is unique and represents its local heritage. Then, each participant will have the chance to practice Tatreez techniques and create their own piece of art, Either a framed design or bookmark. Class run time: 2 Hours Class price:

Join us for our second gathering, we will read the story بطريق أضاع الطريق (Batriq ada3a altariq; A penguin lost his way) by Palestinian Kuwaiti author Hooda Shawa Qaddumi. The story chronicles the journey of a penguin displaced by climate change as he roams the world in search for home. First, Ms. Dina will read the story in Arabic, with consecutive English translation. Then, together, we will revisit key terms from the story while practicing the Arabic alphabets. For example: ش for شوكة and ز for زيتون. Finally, together we will discuss the lessons the kids draw from the story.

OPENING RECEPTION: IMPRINTS OF TIME AND PLACE ceramics & photographs by zami Reflections on identity, community connections, and acts of resistance Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture Gallery is pleased to present the first exhibit in our new space, featuring the work of our founder Hazami Sayed. Imprints of Time and Place is both a homecoming for Hazami (aka zami) and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Al-Bustan. The exhibit moves from photographs of youth's hopeful joy and an enduring cultural heritage, to documentation of tumultuous times. Through the tactile art of clay, zami finds solace, expressing connection through an

Join us for a special screening of Bye Bye Tiberias, followed by a conversation with the film's director, Lina Soualem.Join us for a special screening of an intimate documentary featuring Emmy-nominated actress Hiam Abbass (Succession, Ramy, Blade Runner 2049) as she returns to her Palestinian village with her daughter after years of pursuing her acting career in France. The film explores the powerful legacy of separation across four generations of Palestinian women.Date: Saturday, October 26th, 2024Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PMLocation: Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, 310 W Master St, PhiladelphiaFollowing the screening, there will be a conversation with renowned Egyptian