It’s not easy to guess what Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD) does. Those who know, know. For everyone else, it is the first arts organization in Skid Row, founded 40 years ago by performance artist, director and activist John Malpede, who continues to direct, perform and engineer arts projects.
According to its website, LAPD was the first performance group in the nation made up principally of homeless people and the first arts program of any kind for homeless people in LA. Today, it is best known for its Festival for All Skid Row Artists, which celebrated its 16th year this past October at Gladys/General Jeff Park, and Walk the Talk, a biennial parade-performance led by a New Orleans-style brass band scheduled for May 2026.
Like other organizations around the country, LAPD is facing a shortfall of funds due to federal cuts and changed priorities by previously reliable sources. Malpede and his team are especially concerned because it happened so abruptly. . . .
Read the entire article at LA Downtown News.
Jessica Koslow 