About

The Afghan Cultural Foundation (بنیاد فرهنگی افغان ها – افغان فرهنګي بنسټ) works toward preserving and promoting the historical and developing Afghan cultural traditions to contribute and enhance the overall human experience of the global community. 

The Foundation “Bonyad بنیاد” is a non-profit, non-religious and non-political organization with an inclusive vision towards Afghans of all backgrounds and experiences.

Opportunity

Afghans are one of the largest populations in the world who live outside their homeland; while movement puts their cultural heritage at risk, it also presents an opportunity for it to flourish outside of national boundaries and integrate with the cultures they come in contact with – and Bonyad facilitates this integration. While we welcome all to co-create with the Afghan community, we invite our future collaborators to be aware of the historical ‘cultural explitation’ of Afghan people.

Areas of Activity

Arts:

  • Literature
  • Poetry
  • Fine Arts
  • Music
  • Film
  • Dance/Performance Arts
  • Digital Arts

Culture:

  • History
  • Philosophies
  • Traditions, Rituals & other intangible cultural heritage
  • Cuisines
  • Languages
  • Attires

Projects

  • The Afghan Education Access Appeal (education)
  • Afghanistan by Afghans (tv show)
  • Alternative 9/11, organized by UCLA PhD students (upcoming event)
  • Afghan Rap (upcoming music project)
  • Our Words on Paper (upcoming calligraphy showcase)
  • We can do better (upcoming Poetry film)
  • #DontTouchMyDress (photo series on Afghan attire)
  • Faces of Afghans (photo project)

Structure & Governance

Bonyad has a global vision with a local operating procedure. The foundation works to develop a team of “cultural protagonists” in each city that aims to engage in cultural activities and helps them build a community of support around Afghan cultural initiatives locally. 

Volunteers
Supporters constitute any individual of any background who is interested in volunteering/interning with the Foundation whether it is during live programs or remotely throughout the year. You are welcome to become a volunteer.

Patrons
Patrons constitute anyone who has an interest in cultivating Afghan culture and artists, whether they are an individual or entities. This is open to everyone. You are welcome to Become a Patron.

Members
Members constitute any Afghan who has demonstrated involvement in Afghan arts and/or culture activities for a period of at least one year or has created/co-created or significantly contributed to at least one art/culture-related project. You are welcome to become a Member.

Committee
The members of the local management Committee are elected by all members within a city, without any electioneering or self-promotion. A committee is formed in a city that has at least five members. If you would like to start a local chapter in your city, please get in touch.

Collaborate/Contact

If you are interested in any aspect of Afghanistan, the collective Afghan story, or individual Afghans and would like to collaborate with us, please use the form below to get in touch.

If you would like to join the foundation in any capacity, please use the form to connect. Thank you!

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The Afghan Cultural Foundation is an unincorporated non-profit association headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The foundation has a fiscal sponsor who issues tax exceptions for donations. The organizing committee and all its members are volunteers.