News | Devon Akmon

The Science of Grief Podcast

June 7, 2021 News

Last Wednesday, Science Gallery Detroit and WDET-FM, Detroit’s NPR Station, published the first episode in a new joint podcast called The Science of Grief. Inspired by the highly successful SGD program of the same name, the 10-episode podcast series makes space for young adults to share stories, science, and solutions for those who are exploring their mental health for the first time. Hosted by acclaimed poet and SGD Community Engagement Manager Natasha T. Miller, and featuring a production team thatRead More

FUTURE PRESENT: A Design Exhibition During a Pandemic

October 16, 2020 News

On Friday, September 11, 2020, Science Gallery Detroit opened it third annual exhibition—FUTURE PRESENT: Design in a Time of Urgency—in the midst of a global pandemic. This year’s exhibition theme, which was planned prior to the onset of the pandemic, explores humanity’s nuanced relationship to various forms of design and the impact it has on the future. Further, the exhibition illustrates three key themes as they relate to design: the impact of technology on society; design and systemic change; andRead More

Science Gallery Detroit Performance Closes Out Concert of Colors

October 10, 2020 News

Although concerts and music festival throughout the nation have been canceled this year due to the global pandemic, the 28th edition of the Concert of Colors (October 6-11) will take place digitally this October with performances broadcast on Detroit Public TV Channel 56 and WDET 101.9 FM. And, as a presenting partner, Science Gallery Detroit is pleased to close out the diversity-themed music festival with a performance by John Collins and Mark Flash of Detroit’s renowned techno label, Underground Resistance.Read More

A Creative Call to Action

August 10, 2020 News

In June, Science Gallery Detroit launched an open call for a new Rapid Residency program to prompt innovative responses about the current social challenges impacting Detroiters. The application period extended from June 22 to July 22 and was open writers, artists, musicians, photographers, videographers, dancers, designers, and all other types of creators and makers residing in Detroit. After receiving dozens of inspired applications, we’re pleased to announce the five awardees of this novel initiative! The winners are Amira Hanafi, CheriseRead More

Building Bridges While Fighting Racism and Xenophobia

June 1, 2020 News, Uncategorized

Today I had the privilege and honor of serving on a timely and important panel — Building Bridges While Fighting Racism and Xenophobia — presented as part of the 2020 American Alliance of Museums’ virtual conference. This timely conversation comes on the heels of the tragic and unnecessary murder of George Floyd, a Black man, by the Minneapolis police. This tragedy is yet another reminder of the systemic racism that persists in our nation and its institutions, which includes museums.Read More

A New Professional Journey

April 2, 2020 News

On April 1, 2020, I began a new professional journey as director of Science Gallery Detroit. I’m both honored and thrilled to lead this work on behalf of Michigan State University. I’m looking forward to working with the talented Science Gallery Detroit team, our colleagues at Michigan State University, and our partners throughout the international Science Gallery Network. Here’s the official press release: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Michigan State University Names Devon Akmon the Director of Science Gallery Detroit DETROIT (MarchRead More

Pro Bono Consultations in a Time of Crisis

March 25, 2020 News

The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland will offer pro bono consultations to any U.S.-based non-profit arts or culture organization between March and June 2020, as a response to the mounting effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The initiative recognizes that, due to a wave of closures and cancellations nationwide, arts and culture organizations are navigating unprecedented circumstances. Click here for more info on the initiative.

“Practical Steps in a Time of Uncertainty.” — A note to arts and cultural administrators from our firm

March 18, 2020 News

My colleagues Michael Kaiser (Chairman) and Brett Egan (President) have penned a message to arts and cultural administrators in response to the current pandemic: March 16, 2020 Dear Friends: We write in recognition of the severe hardship faced by many Americans in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, and in solidarity with our colleagues in the arts and culture sector who face an increasingly daunting array of challenges. Not only have ticket sales and entry fees been lost, but manyRead More

Pro Bono Strategic Planning and Research Initiative

March 18, 2019 News

Earlier today our team announced that we will be providing five arts and cultural organizations in rural, semi-rural, or micropolitan communities with pro bono strategic planning services. This opportunity, underwritten in full by the University of Maryland, was open to organizations across the country through a competitive application process. I’m looking forward to joining my colleagues and the participating organizations as we collaborate to craft new strategic plans. This work will focus on long-term artistic and educational programming; marketing andRead More

Supporting the Arts Innovation & Management Program

October 18, 2018 News

Beginning this Fall, our team will be providing capacity building support to over 240 small- and mid-sized arts organizations in seven cities. These organizations are all funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies through their unique and impressive Arts Innovation and Management program. The seven cities include Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, District of Columbia, Denver, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh. We will be leading a series of daylong seminars on a variety of subjects throughout the two-year grant period. Additionally, we will also provide one-on-oneRead More