Guided Search: Folk Arts/Culture, Africa

Philadelphia World Heritage Day was instituted by Mayor Jim Kenney in 2016, and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of each May. This annual event is an important part of bringing awareness of Philadelphia's World Heritage City to all city residents. Each year, the celebration is carried out in a different location and in a different way. In 2022, we will celebrate our 7th year as a World Heritage City by holding a week of activities and event to be held May 22-27th.  

Join us on Wednesday, March 3rd at Solas 2021 as we celebrate the important work that YOU have helped make possible!

This year will be the first virtual Solas Awards and while it will be different from past events, we are excited to be able to welcome everyone to join us in experiencing The Welcoming Center. During Solas 2021, you will have the opportunity to virtually network with others in The Welcoming Center community, learn more about the impact your support has on immigrants in Philadelphia, and watch a live conversation with our 2021 Solas Award honoree, Dr. José Ramón Fernández-Peña hosted by our friend and former colleague, Amanda Bergson-Shilcock.

Our Youth Arts Workshop students spent this summer exploring the theme of portraiture and creating artwork using various media, such as drawing, sculpture, photography, and public engagement, and learn to talk about identity, stereotypes, and visibility. Spend the afternoon with us and come see all the great things our young artists have been working on!

Songhaï blues from northern Mali, “A worthy successor to Ali Farka Touré. Sidi Toure has all the talent. It’s incredible.” – Bassekou Kouyaté

One of Mauritania’s foremost musical emissaries. “The absolutely spellbinding vocalist Noura Mint Seymali from Mauritania is ready to claim the role of her famous stepmother the late Dimi Mint Abba… With her strong charisma and appeal to the audience she will become a major star… Noura is incredible!” -- Afropop Worldwide

West African music featuring singer, balafon (xylophone) and ngoni (plucked stringed instrument) “Trio Da Kali purveyed a lovely blend of griot music plus something close to jazz, led by singer Hawa Kasse Mady Diabate whose sound has been aptly compared with that of the American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.” – The Independent

“Evocative melodies, intricate arabesques, and sparkling cascades over the mystical-spiritual aura of the ney flute. Contemplative or rhythmic, the trio produces a unique magic.”
– Frankfurt Journal