Bursting with artwork, the WorldBeat Cultural Center stands before you. Welcome to a place where African Diaspora and Indigenous cultures come alive.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a non-profit organization. It thrives in the heart of Balboa Park. Its mission is to promote and preserve these vibrant cultures. This is achieved through music, art, dance, education, sustainability, and technology.
Founded by Makeda Cheatom in 1993, the WorldBeat Center first resided in Old Town San Diego. In 1995, it found its home here in Balboa Park. Makeda’s vision transformed an abandoned water tower into what you see today.
Look around. Murals by local artists brighten the space. They commemorate important leaders and historical cultures. Flags from all nations hang from the ceiling. The stage and dance floor have hosted countless artists over the years.
Before it became the WorldBeat Cultural Center, this building was a one-million-gallon water tower. Founder Makeda ‘Dread’ Cheatom revitalized it over 30 years ago.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center strives to create unity within diversity. It promotes peace within the community. Ongoing programs nurture the spirit of children, the elderly, and everyone in between.
Don’t miss the Healing Peace Garden. It is an urban oasis filled with rare edible and medicinal plants. The garden educates about the healing role of plants in society. It serves as a noise refuge from urban pollution. The garden welcomes schools, families, and groups for workshops and tours.
The garden includes a special area for children. It is called the Enchanted Children’s Sound Garden. The WorldBeat Cultural Center also has a presence in Tijuana. It partners with WBC Tijuana to present “Tribute to Reggae Legends”. This raises awareness about the African presence in Mexico.
The WorldBeat Center dedicates specific days to honor great figures. These include Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Audre Lorde, and Bob Marley. The center hosts free cultural celebrations. Kwanzaa, Earth Day, and the International Dance Festival are among them.
Classes in cultural music and drumming are held for disabled individuals. Resident artists teach ongoing classes for adults and children. These classes cover African, Taiko, Egyptian, and Brazilian Samba.
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is more than just a building. It is a living, breathing testament to cultural understanding. It is a celebration of our shared humanity. It welcomes everyone to experience the beauty of diversity. This center represents a unique platform for coming together in unity.