News | Devon Akmon

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

Interim Leadership Work with the San Antonio Symphony

July 11, 2018 News

Beginning this month, I have the pleasure of joining my colleagues in working with the San Antonio Symphony. Extending through the end of the year, I will be helping to run the day-to-day operations for the Symphony through our work as an interim leadership team. This means I’ll be working from San Antonio three days per week. I’m looking forward to supporting the Symphony during this pivotal time for the organization. News: San Antonio Symphony names new interim executive director

Act Two: Arts Consulting

June 1, 2018 News

Today marks my first day working as a senior consultant with the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. I’m very excited to begin this new chapter supporting arts institutions nationwide. Time to get to work!

Time To Begin A New Chapter

April 4, 2018 News

After 13 years of helping to establish and grow the Arab American National Museum, I’ve decided now is the time to pursue new opportunities and experiences. I will forever cherish my time with the Museum, which includes four years as deputy director and five years as director, and I am immensely proud of what our team and community have been able to achieve. I know the Museum will continue to flourish and I look forward to supporting the institution farRead More