Founding Story
As a child of Arab immigrants, my upbringing was rich with the traditions and stories of my heritage. However, growing up in a multicultural environment, I often encountered misrepresentations and stereotypes about my culture and other minority communities. This experience fueled my passion for design, which I pursued as a way to bridge cultural gaps and promote understanding.
My journey led me to work in design and design education, where I witnessed firsthand the power of storytelling and hands-on learning in helping individuals explore their identities. I realized that education could play a pivotal role in reinforcing self-worth and dismantling the misrepresentations faced by minority communities in diaspora.
In 2019, inspired by the need for deeper cultural engagement, I embarked on extensive research and collaboration. I visited cultural centers, engaged with community leaders, and immersed myself in the stories and traditions of various cultures. These experiences illuminated the importance of preserving cultural heritage and sharing these stories with a broader audience.
Culture Crate was born from this vision. Launched in the Spring of 2024, Culture Crate aims to revolutionize cultural education by providing immersive experiences through our crates, where people can engage intentionally with culture through hands-on learning and stories of indigenous people working to preserve their heritage. Our first offering was a curated learning experience of Palestinian and broader Arab culture through our Saboon Crate, designed to provide an authentic and immersive experience on the rich history and culture of soap making in the region.
Today, Culture Crate is expanding to diversify our range of cultural experiences, featuring artifacts, stories, and hands-on educational materials from various parts of the Arab region and the world. We collaborate closely with cultural experts, educators, and community leaders to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our content. Our mission is to activate preservation, educate, and celebrate the global cultural practices of our ancestors.
Being a part of the Culture Crate community means embarking on a journey of discovery, connecting deeply with the heritage of different regions and maybe your own culture, and contributing to a more inclusive world. We strive to tell authentic stories of real people, struggle, and resilience, enriching lives through the power of cultural education.
With gratitude and in solidarity,
Nadine
