Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is a West Philly nonprofit arts organization dedicated to advocating the appreciation of Arabic arts and culture. That may seem like a mouthful, but try saying it in Arabic! Actually, that’s one of the things they’ll help you do – in addition to programs about art, music, literature, geography, and other elements of Arab culture, they also offer language instruction.

Most of Al-Bustan’s programs are geared toward children and young adults, as the cornerstone of their mission is to educate youth about Arabic heritage. You don’t have to share that heritage to get in on the fun, though. Youth of all backgrounds enjoy their programs, which include a July summer camp in which kids learn some Arabic (or improve their skills) while exploring the arts and culture. During the school year, weekend language and art classes offer a stimulating environment for learning the language – this is about fun, not the classroom! Language instruction is integrated into drama, dance, art, and story writing. It’s the perfect combo for creative and inquisitive kids who are up for learning something new.

While many programs are aimed at children (both in school, after school, and on weekends), there’s a lot for adults and families to check out too. The organization offers percussion instruction and music appreciation, and aspiring musicians can even join a percussion ensemble. If you’re not into beating the drum yourself, you can check out the performances and demonstrations, which are open to the public. Al-Bustan (Arabic for “the garden”) also hosts all sorts of renowned Arabic cultural figures, including musicians, poets, painters, and writers. Events take place all around West Philly, and most are free or cheap. Al-Bustan is truly a unique and colorful place, helping to make the neighborhood even more vibrant, diverse, and exciting. Check them out on Facebook to stay in loop about upcoming classes and events!

Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
526 S. 46th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
http://www.albustanseeds.org