Tragedy in Haiti Creates Powerful Art

The world tends to feel incredibly big – especially in an era when we are spending more time alone and at home and where the things that make us different – income, culture, access, – are shifting how we are dealing with a universal issue. One of LEAF’s missions is to make the world feel […]

2020 Highlights

Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary Year! LEAF International 22 Culture Keepers were supported so they may be present in their communities & passing on traditions where they are able 12 Culture Keepers are beautifully pivoting to bring creativity, inspiration & connection through virtual classes Through VLEAF in May and Oct, Culture Keepers created 15 virtual classes/presentations […]

LEAF October Retreat 2020

LEAF Retreat was exactly what we all needed at a time like this. Celebrating 25 Years of community and connection with Safety, Gratitude, & Intention allowed us to go back to our roots – a small family-focused gathering that connects people to the world, each other, and the best in ourselves. It is the spirit […]

LEAF International 2020 Cultural Expedition in Costa Rica

by Schree Chavdarov, Global Engagement Director “I feel emotional when I hear the Ngäbe people talk. I feel their purpose. LEAF is  helping indigenous people fight for a good cause.”  -Jose Mendez, Trip Guide & Founder of Passport Adventure  Overview of the LEAF International Costa Rica Expedition:  This trip brought a long time LEAF couple closer […]

LEAF International Cultural Exchange in Rwanda and Zambia

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REPORT DATE: January 2020 LOCATION: Zambia CULTURE KEEPER: David Kwizera, Rwanda  “We have lost our culture & have since started adopting other cultures.”  -Senior Chief of Chishi Village  Overview of the LEAF International Discovery Expedition:  Zambia’s contemporary culture is a blend of values, norms, material and spiritual traditions of more than  70 ethnically diverse people. Most of […]

LEAF International Site Visit 2020

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by Schree Chavdarov, Global Engagement Director  REPORT DATE: March 2020 LOCATION: Panama City, Panama CULTURE KEEPER: Yoba Barrantes & Jose Hayans  “I’m inspired by children losing their identity due to living in the (Panama) city. They are  disconnected, but it’s not their fault. As soon as they have contact with their traditions,  something within them click & […]

2017 to 2019

2019 LEAF is now official partners of the US Embassy Public Affairs Branch! Kylie Irvin joined our Resident Teaching Artist roster as a co-leader of the LEAF Christine Avery Learning Center Brass Band. Seven Buncombe County Schools teachers attended the Kennedy Center Arts Integration Conference in Arlington, VA as a part of our Kennedy Center […]

2014 to 2016

2016 •BEST OF WNC Mtn Xpress Hall of Fame Awards: #1 Non-Profit Serving the Arts #1 Music Festival! #1 Festival for Kids! #1 Festival for Camping! (Best of Received for 3 categories 2013-2016) •LEAF International Bequia and LEAF International Rwanda Intore make the journey to LEAF Festival for Cultural Exchanges and stunning performances esp. when […]

2010 to 2013

2013 •LEAF Schools & Streets and Moog Foundation partner to create EMErgence: Electronic Music Experience for Youth, funded by Dan Lucas Foundation. •LEAF International Bequia Kids on Pans’ 1st international trip, LSS cultural exchange and performance to October LEAF. •Acoustic Syndicate Album Release celebrating 20 years. •LEAF awarded BEST OF WNC Mtn Xpress Awards: #1 […]

Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.