LA Commons Announces the 6th Annual Day of the Ancestors: Festival of the Masks in Leimert Park

LOS ANGELES - April 25, 2016 - PRLog -- LA Commons will host its sixth annual Day of the Ancestors: Festival of the Masks in Leimert Park, the African American cultural hub of Los Angeles. The Festival features a procession and live musical performances at which traditional artists, youth groups, and diverse community members engage in a celebration of the global African village, paying homage to their shared heritage through mask-making and dance.

With the Festival's theme this year being My Brother's Keeper, participants will leverage the power of the arts to invoke compassion and inspire us to connect with one another regardless of perceived differences. Previous artists such as S.H.I.N.E Muwasi, Najite & Olokun Prophecy, the Lula Washington Dance Theatre, Oblinyanko Drum and Dance Ensemble, African Soul International, Wadada Reggae & Funk, and KiT Tradishonal, have all contributed to the Festival where attendees have embraced the idea of cultural connectedness. "Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks provides the community with a great opportunity to come together to make a beautiful and impactful statement," says Karen Mack, the Executive Director of LA Commons.  "This year, the theme "My Brother's Keeper" recognizes the importance of compassion and solidarity in a time of unprecedented divisiveness."

The Festival is produced in partnership with the Leimert Park Art Walk in an effort to promote the vibrancy, culture, legacy, and economy of Leimert Park. Following the festival, local businesses are asked to display the Festival's masks and puppets, extending the public's opportunity to view these ancient and modern artifacts. Members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in a series of workshops in May and June.

For more information, dates, and sponsorship opportunities visit the website at www.lacommons.org. Sponsorship supports costs affiliated with executing the workshops and performances. Sponsor benefits include significant signage on event materials, social media shout outs, tabling, and additional brand advertising opportunities. In the last five years, over 28,000 attended the event which led to more than 10 million media impressions through coverage from both local and national media.

About LA Commons: LA Commons, a project of Community Partners, 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. LA 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. For additional information, please visit www.lacommons.org or contact Executive Director Karen Mack-karen@lacommons.org or (213) 705- 4457.