Upcoming Events
Community Iftar at Al-Hidaya Islamic Center
Join us at the Al-Hidaya Islamic Center on Sunday, March 31st for a community iftar. Come together with friends, family, and neighbors to share in the joy of breaking fast during this blessed month of Ramadan.
The Damned Don't Cry Screening
Don't miss the Philadelphia-area premiere of this captivating queer drama from Morocco! Set on society's fringes, Fatima-Zahra and her son navigate survival together until a long-hidden family secret tests their bond, pushing them towards new paths. Featuring stellar performances, this film blends melodrama and neorealism, reminiscent of Fassbinder and Sirk's works. Co-presented with Bryn Mawr Film Institute, stay tuned for a remote Q&A session with director Fyzal Boulifa after the screening! Tickets
Gate of the Sun Screening + Director Talkback
Join us for the US premiere screening of the recently restored Gate of the Sun Parts 1 and 2 in our two-day screening event, on Sunday, March 24th, and Monday, March 25th, at Lightbox Film Center (401 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147). Grab your tickets here!
Sunday, March 24th: Doors open at 1 PM, with screening of Gate of the Sun, Part 1 to start at 1:15 PM, followed by an artist talk featuring Yousry Nasrallah.
Monday, March 25th: Doors open at 7 PM, with Iftar food and drink provided at sunset, followed by screening of Gate of the Sun, Part 2 at 8 PM
Zekkereya and Leila Abdul-Rauf Concert
Leila Abdul-Rauf (San Francisco) and Zekkereya (Detroit) are multi-instrumentalist composers who combine brass, electronics, and other sound sources to create immersive, ambient works that bridge seen and unseen worlds. Zekkereya’s performance will weave threads of sound from across the Islamic world into a melodic sound bath, proposing a testament to muslim unity. With voice, trumpet and synthesizer, Leila will create a cinematic atmosphere for introspection, accessing what is often unconscious and obscured by the human condition. This intimate concert offers space and time for imagining, as the new year slides into place. Tickets.
Gaza Habibti with Untold Palestine
Al-Bustan is honored to open space for this vision to our community in Philadelphia, presenting Gaza Habibti, a selection of images and stories from the Untold Palestine collection. The gallery is open for view from February 2 until March 22.
In the Shadow of Beirut Regional Premiere
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is presenting the regional premiere of the film In the Shadow of Beirut directed by Stephen Gerard Kelly, Garry Keane at PhilaMOCA on December 17. From the makers of Gaza (Sundance 2019), comes In the Shadow of Beirut depicts a portrait of modern-day Lebanon as seen through the eyes of four families living in the impoverished Sabra and Shatila neighborhoods of the city, the scene of an infamous massacre in 1982. The Shadow of Beirut' is Ireland's entry in the Best International Feature category for the 96th Academy Awards. Grab your tickets.
Hatshepsut Play Reading
Join Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture and Beacon Theatre Productions for a reading of the play Hatshepsut which brings the tale of Queen Hatshepsut to life, who reigned as King of Egypt but was erased from history by her successor. Register today!
Marwan Kamel and Julius Masri Concert
This evening of solo and duo works by multi-instrumentalists Marwan Kamel and Julius Masri is a “first meeting” of these two artists; both of whom have a hybrid approach to traditional Arabic musical forms. Philadelphia’s own Masri is known for his improvised performances, collaborations with the dance community, and celebrated new album under the name Mephisto Halabi. Masri plays drums, circuit modified Casio keyboards, Oud, Kamancheh, and various other instruments. Chicago/Tunis based Kamel is a dedicated researcher and performer known for his project Daily Maqam. His palette includes oud, nay, buzuq, guitar, violin, and hand-percussion. With these beautiful instruments, the duo will journey through improvisations and compositions that celebrate Arabic music while pushing into unique, personal interpretations that suggest the future of these forms. Tickets
Once Upon A Memory Opening Reception
Join us from 6-8 PM on Friday, November 3, at Al-Bustan's Hub (3645 Lancaster Ave.) for the opening reception for Mo Darwish's Exhibit, "Once Upon a Memory." The exhibit will be open for view at the Al-Bustan Gallery from November 3, 2023 until January 12, 2023. Register here.
War and Me Reading with Faleeha Hassan
Faleeha Hassan will be reading her new book, War and Me at the Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture on October 27 at 6:30PM. An intimate memoir about coming of age in a tight-knit working-class family during Iraq’s seemingly endless series of wars, War and Me is a deeply personal account of her life, she remembers those she has loved and lost. Register here.
Huda Asfour Concert with La La Lil Jidar
Join the La La Lil Jidar collective for an evening where oudist Huda Asfour will be serenading us with her original music. The cost of this event is sliding scale. Register for the event here!
Interactive Story Circle with Power Street Theatre
Step into the world of immersive storytelling as we partner with Power Street Theatre to explore the compelling narratives of migration, displacement, and the concept of 'home.' Be among the first ten individuals to register and attend, and you'll receive a $25 gift card! Don't miss out on this experience – secure your spot now and register here!
Distilling the Waters: A Poetry Workshop
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is pleased to collaborate with Swim Pony and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in delivering a workshop by donia harhoor. Register here!
An Evening with Jerusalem Hakawatiyyehs
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is partnering with PalestineWrites Literature Festival for an evening of hakawatiyyeh oral storytelling on September 20 at 6PM, featuring captivating folkloric tales passed down through generations in women's spaces throughout Palestine. Register here!
Welcoming Little Amal
Little Amal is on her way to Philly ❤️🏙️🌎 Join us and the Office of Culture and Creative Economy to welcome WalkWithAmal to our city. The Walk will begin outside of the Rodin Museum and culminate in LOVE Park with music, art making, and more! Come join us show Little Amal how embraced she and all immigrant and refugee communities are in Philadelphia.
Excavating Memory Exhibition
On View: September 8 - October 27, 2023
Join us from 6-8 PM on Friday, September 8, at Al-Bustan's Hub (3645 Lancaster Ave.) for the opening reception for Thea Abu-El-Haj's Exhibit, "Excavating Memory." The exhibit will be up at the Hub from September 8, 2023 and October 31, 2023. Register here!
Felukah Concert
This summer Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is proud to host our Summer Concert at One Art Community Center in Philadelphia. Al-Bustan's Summer Concert features headliner Felukah, with Sophia Tresa opening. Grab your tickets here!
Hikayat 3Tawla (Stories on the Table) Game Night & Reception
Join us on Friday, July 28, at the Al-Bustan Hub (3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104) for Hikayat 3Tawleh, a playful response to The Mashrabiya Project at The Center for Art in Wood. Discover the cultural significance of Backgammon and Checkerboard games, loaned from people in Philadelphia, along with their captivating stories. Through games, we unite people from diverse backgrounds, fostering community, creativity, and emotional resilience. Let's imagine a better world through the joy of play. Bring a friend, enjoy some tea, and embrace the fun of playing together.
Grab your free tickets!
Summer Arabic Class Placement Test
Al-Bustan is pleased to offer several virtual 10-week Modern Standard Arabic courses for adults this summer! To enroll in our courses, signing up for our free virtual Arabic language proficiency test is required, so we can ensure you are placed in the best course for your Arabic language needs and interests.
Register for your free placement test here.
American Fast Final Dress Rehearsal
Catch the regional premiere of AMERICAN FAST before anyone else! Join us on June 1 at The Proscenium Theatre At The Drake. Doors open at 6PM, and showtime at 7pm for the final dress rehearsal.
Grab your tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lunwittre/event/873016/
The Dido Problem Screening
Join us for a screening of the short film and public intervention project The Dido Problem by Huniti Goldox (Areej Huniti & Eliza Goldox). The screening starts at 6:00pm, followed by a conversation with the artists moderated by Mohannad Ghawanmeh and Deborah Thomas. Register here!
Huniti Goldox Workshop
Join us for a two-day workshop facilitated by artist duo Huniti Goldox (Areej Huniti & Eliza Goldox). The workshop revolves around the intersections of ecology, water, mythology and geopolitical realities. Over the course of two days -participants will be invited into collective readings, exercises, screenings and walks. Register here!
Nibal Malshi & Ensemble Concert
Al-Bustan presents vocalist Nibal Malshi & Ensemble on Friday, March 3 at the Rotunda (4014 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104). General Admission is $20. Students tickets are $10.
Dabke Workshop & Social Earthquake Relief Fundraiser
Join us for a Dabke workshop and social earthquake fundraiser led by Michele Tayoun of Meeshadance on Saturday, February 25 from 1-3PM. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) who are on the ground in Syria responding to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey on February 6, 2023.
Mediterranean Fever Film Screening
Join us for the Philadelphia premiere of Mediterranean Fever a Palestinian dark comedy written and directed by Maha Haj on Sunday, February 5 at PhilaMOCA. Doors open at 5:30PM, and the screening starts at 6PM.
Tickets: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/lunwittre/event/865342/
Reda Taleb Book Reading
Reda Taleb will be reading her new book, Noura's Extraordinary Superpower! A Book For Youth With Incarcerated Loved Ones And How to Activate The Innate Superpower of Empathy Healing followed by a panel discussion at the Al-Bustan Hub on January 28 at 1PM.
Basic Dabke Workshop
Join us January 21st at 1PM for a introductory Dabke workshop! Grab your friends and some comfortable clothing to dance
Click the link to register: https://bit.ly/DabkeEvent
Arabic Alphabet Flashcard Workshop
Come celebrate International Arabic Language Day by learning introductory Arabic with Al-Bustan. Register today!
Mary Tuma Exhibit
Al-Bustan is hosting a reception for the Mary Tuma exhibition. The Palestinian American artist is presenting her art “Intifada Stones to Throw At Israeli Tanks As They Drive Up Your Street” 2008-present, along with foam, old party dresses, sequins, beads, pins, and non-recyclable plastics. At the reception, Mary Tuma is presenting on her work. Treats and drinks are to be served. The event is taking place at Al-Bustan's Hub | 3645 Lancaster Ave, Philadelphia 19104.
Mariela Shaker and Riyad Nicolas Musical Concert
Join us for a musical holiday concert featuring international award winning violinist Mariela Shaker and Syrian British pianist Riyad Nicolas at Al-Bustan Hub. Get your ticket today!
Lost: Return to Beirut
A musical-visual art performance with the talented pianist Rami Khalife.
Eric Okdeh Artist Talk
Join us on the First Friday of November at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture for an Artist Talk given by the artist on view at Al-Bustan’s gallery Eric Okdeh. Okdeh will speak about his career as a muralist who began creating public art in 1998 and the works on exhibit at Al-Bustan. Doors open at 5:30 and the talk begins at 6:00 followed by a reception. Register today!