L.A. Commons

Greater Los Angeles African/African-American Intercultural Folklife/Other Multi-genre Music 2013

L.A. Commons works in neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles, facilitating artistic processes, open to all, that result in highly visible public art projects that tell dynamic neighborhood stories.  L.A. Commons builds community by validating the importance of local narratives, enhancing the sense of belonging felt by a broad range of stakeholders, and encouraging stronger ties between the people and places of Los Angeles.

In 2013, a grant from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program will support the third annual Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks, taking place in Leimert Park on June 23.  Following 10 weeks of free community classes in traditional West African drumming, song, and masked dance, a procession and festival will conclude the community wide event.  Under the direction of Nigerian (Urhobo) chieftain, Najite Agindotan, the project seeks to pay homage to ancestors in a celebration of African heritage.