News | Devon Akmon

Project “Run Every Street” in Ann Arbor

September 20, 2020 Adventure

This summer, I set out to run every street in Ann Arbor. The idea was inspired by two factors. First, given the travel restrictions due to the pandemic, I’d begun seeking new adventures close to home. And, second, my participation in the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee required changing up my normal running routes to beat the tedium of hours and hours of running. And, with that, an idea was born. Having lived in Ann Arbor for almost twenty years,Read More

Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice

August 31, 2020 Adventure

The COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptions on life have been immeasurable. And, with each new challenge brought on by the coronavirus, we seek to find new adaptions and innovations to carry on with some semblance of normality. This has certainly brought on a range of emotions, from hope to stress. In the past, I sought travel and adventure as a means to find growth and renewal. However, given the current travel restrictions, we’ve had to refocus and look nearby for those similarRead More

Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K

August 24, 2020 Adventure

This has been a summer like no other. Stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, and social and economic hardships brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic have left an indelible impact. However, despite the disruptions and challenges caused by the coronavirus, there have been some silver-linings to embrace. For me, the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee 1000K was one of them. Similar to many other runners, I had spent the earlier months of the year training for a spring marathon. Those plans wereRead 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

This Pandemic Life

April 3, 2020 Adventure

Life has been turned upside down over the last four weeks. Our nation, and the rest of the world, is trying to navigate the challenges of the global COVID-19 pandemic. So much has changed in such a short amount of time. One month ago I was planning a robust amount of travel during my last few weeks of work as a consultant. Some travel was for business and some for pleasure. This included trips to Boston, St. Louis, and Louisville.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

Cycling the Erie Canal Trail

October 20, 2019 Adventure

Several years back, in 2008 to be precise, we traveled to New England for a vacation filled with exploration in the outdoors. Our journey took us to both the Adirondacks in New York and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. We climbed Mount Marcy in the ADK and Mount Washington in the White’s Presidential Range; both the high points in their respective state. However, one of the highlights of this trip was an early stop early in Rochester, NY toRead More