Mission (Our Purpose)

Rooted in Arab arts and language, Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture offers artistic and educational programming that enriches understanding and celebrates diversity, while supporting the pursuit and affirmation of Arab American cultural identity and playing a constructive civic role within broader American society.

Values (Our Guiding Beliefs)

Importance of Language. Al-Bustan recognizes that appreciation of culture requires knowledge of its written and spoken language.

Role of the arts. Al-Bustan envisions the arts as a powerfully effective medium through which youth and adults can engage in self-expression, explore cultural identity, and form critical thinking skills.  

Artistic quality. Al-Bustan is committed to engaging the highest quality artists and teaching artists, of Arab heritage or immersed in Arab cultural traditions.

Cultural production. Al-Bustan recognizes that culture is dynamic and continually shaped through myriad influences, rather than a static set of tradition and values handed down from generation to generation.

Goals (Our Commitment to Impact)

1.     Grow Arab American Civic Inclusion and Empowerment

                        i.         Bring together and celebrate a diverse Arab American community

                       ii.         Expand Arab language arts and ELL offerings and resources

                      iii.         Amplify the Arab American experience through news and media offerings

2.     Set a Cultural Agenda that Reflects a Dynamic Arab Identity

                        i.         Increase commissioning and production of Arab arts and artists

                       ii.         Broaden our audiences and deepen connections.

3.     Grow Organizational Capacity to Sustain Impact

                        i.         Develop sustainable staffing structure

                       ii.         Resource a major individual donor cultivation program

                      iii.         Create a board development agenda, building systems and processes that advance organizational governance.