Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I would often find my curiosity sparked by Arab culture. When I would leave the company compound I grew up on to go to downtown Rahima, I would see signs reading “tailor” or “jewelry” in both Arabic and English languages and I would feel thankful that there was an English translation. Due to a variety of reasons, I was unable to learn the language while living there. After returning…
A Film Student’s Perspective on Al-Bustan’s Virtual Concert, The Songs We Carry: Middle Eastern and Venezuelan Memories and Melodies by: Peerce Carr
On October 23rd I got to watch as Al-Bustan hosted a virtual concert titled “The Songs We Carry: Middle Eastern and Venezuelan Memories and Melodies” featuring musicians Miriam Elhajli and Hafez Kotain. For those that do not know, Miriam Elhajli is a Venezuelan-Moroccan-American composer and vocalist whose work is influenced by American Folk, modern Jazz,…
A Reflection on Al-Bustan’s Panels on Visibility and Representation in the Arts from the Perspective of Film Student and Artist Peerce Carr
My name is Peerce Carr. I’m an artist and film major from Drexel University, and I am currently working at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture for my CO-OP. I’m thankful for the community, family atmosphere, and inclusion that exists at Al-Bustan. Since day one, I’ve felt accepted and cared for at Al-Bustan and am really thankful…
Daliah Ammar’s Thoughts on Arabic with Al-Bustan
I feel very fortunate to be part of the Al-Bustan community. I come from a mixed Arab and American background, my father being Palestinian and my mother American. I grew up traveling back and forth to Palestine, even spending several years living there, but I always felt incredibly out of place. This, I felt, was…
A Parent’s Reflections on Al-Bustan Camp
Our family was so happy when we learned that al-Bustan would be offering in person camp again this summer. The summer of 2019 was our first time enrolling and we were very impressed with the programs, the teachers, and other staff. We are an Egyptian and American family and we have been so grateful to…
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