Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture 10th Anniversary Report

10th Anniversary Gala with Marcel Khalife

Supporters
Supporters
Al-Bustan is currently led by a Board of Directors made up of twelve members with various professional and community affiliations. The Advisory Board includes some of the most well known and respected Arab artists, scholars, and educators.

Over the past decade, a variety of city, state, federal and private funding sources has allowed the organization to continually develop its arts and education programs. We are grateful for this support.

National Endowment for the Arts (2007 – 2012)

Pew Center for Arts and Heritage (2012)

Qatar Foundation International (2011, 2012)

Oasis Foundation of Washington DC (2009, 2010, 2012)

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (2008 - 2012)

Philadelphia Cultural Fund (2008 – 2013)

John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (2011)

University of Pennsylvania (2002 – 2013)

School District of Philadelphia (2007 – 2009)

Stockton Rush Bartol Foundation (2008 – 2012)

Aramco Service Company (2009 – 2012)

Center for Arab American Philanthropy (2009 – 2012)

ACCESS/National Network of Arab American Communities (2008, 2009, 2011)

Samuel Fels Fund (2008)

Seybert Institution(2007 – 2009, 2011 – 2012)

Douty Foundation(2007, 2009, 2011)

Connelly Foundation (2008)

Children Can Shape the Future Foundation (2008, 2010)

Allen Hilles Fund (2003 - 2005)

Mosaic Foundation of Washington DC (2003)

along with many generous individuals and local businesses
Growth Data

Growth Data
Videos

Videos
Network of People

Network of People
Programs

Programs

Teaching and presenting the Arabic language and culture through the arts is the primary framework within which Al-Bustan’s programs have been developed.

The Arabic language permeates the artistic context in a variety of ways, both taught and presented. Singing Arabic songs and poems with musical accompaniment, and visual art-making that integrates Arabic script and calligraphy, are representative examples.

In addition, the theory and practice of the arts are intertwined in all of the educational programs, providing participants an opportunity for experiential learning and skill development while acquiring an understanding of the fundamentals. Highly qualified and experienced teaching artists, who excel at their art forms, creatively and thoughtfully define Al-Bustan’s programs and communicate their knowledge to the participants.

The public presentations of Arab literary, visual, and performing artists on a regular basis throughout the year provides opportunities for program participants and the general public to experience and appreciate exemplary performances first-hand.

With our team of dedicated educators, teaching artists, and designers, interactive online educational resources have been developed to broaden the reach of Al-Bustan based on experiences gained in implementing programs in schools and the community.
Introduction

Introduction

Based in Philadephia, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is dedicated to presenting and teaching the Arabic language, arts, and culture. True to the meaning of the word, “Al-Bustan” (Arabic for “The Garden”) strives to sow the seeds of cultural understanding and respect through the development of ties that break down barriers among youth and adults of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds, as well as within the diverse community of Arab Americans.

First Day of Al-Bustan Camp, July 8, 2002

Al-Bustan was incorporated as a non-profit in Pennsylvania in January 2003 and obtained tax-exemption in November 2003, following the launch of its first program, Al-Bustan Camp in July 2002.

Since its founding a decade ago, Al-Bustan has grown from a two-week summer camp to year-round arts programming serving a diverse constituency of children, youth, families, educators and the general public. Today, Al-Bustan is recognized as a leading Arab arts organization in America with an exemplary track record.

Founder and Executive Director Hazami Sayed spearheads the organization in collaboration with a dedicated team of educators, teaching artists, and staff, along with guidance from the Board of Directors and Advisory Board.
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