ASHEVILLE, N.C. — LEAF Global Arts is an organization that connects cultures and bridges cultural gaps. 

The group is usually known for its annual festivals, but two years ago it also added a hub in downtown Asheville.

The LEAF Global Arts Experience has elements of an interactive museum and an arts center.

It also offers workshops and special curator sessions. 

"Growing up in western North Carolina, we don’t really get those experiences — global experiences — and it’s really important to educate our youth,” LEAF Global Arts Experience Associate Director Alexa Kincaid said."Growing up in western North Carolina, we don’t really get those experiences — global experiences — and it’s really important to educate our youth,” LEAF Global Arts Experience Associate Director Alexa Kincaid said.

It’s in an area known as "the Block," which used to be the center of African American-owned businesses. 

The LEAF Global Arts Experience is in a historic building that housed the Club Del Cardo.

“Not only was this building a space for the Black community to go. It actually used to be some of the biggest names in history who performed here,” Kincaid said. “Roberta Flack, Nina Simone and it was believed Al Green was the last performer to perform here.”

Adama Dembele, a musician from the Ivory Coast, is a teaching artist, culture keeper and tailor at LEAF Global Arts.

“With LEAF, I found another way to share my culture with the new generation, which was my dream,” Dembele said.

He comes from 33 generations of drummers. 

“The djembe is a very powerful instrument. It brings people together,” Dembele said. 

The LEAF Global Arts Experience is open from Friday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

The admission is $5 for ages 5 and up.