News | Devon Akmon

Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music at the MSU Museum

April 11, 2025 News

Back in February, during Black History Month, the MSU Museum opened a new exhibition titled Techno: The Rise of Detroit’s Machine Music. Curated by Dr. Julian Chambliss, Val Berryman Curator of History, in collaboration with acclaimed DJ John Jammin’ Collins of the pioneering Detroit collective Underground Resistance, this immersive experience explores the origins of techno in Detroit and its evolution into a global phenomenon. The exhibition also highlights artifacts that represent this rich, yet often under-appreciated, history. A standout featureRead More

IMLS Under Threat: The Alarming Consequences for Museums and Libraries

April 11, 2025 News

On March 14, President Trump signed an executive order, Continuing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, which called for the “reduction in the elements of the Federal bureaucracy that the President has determined are unnecessary.” Among the agencies targeted by this order was the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). I previously shared some reflections on this executive order and its potential impact on IMLS and its service to the museum field. Since then, much more has unfolded. ToRead More

Honoring the Legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye

March 17, 2025 News

Last Friday, we gathered at the Japanese American National Museum to honor the legacy of Irene Hirano Inouye. The evening program featured a community reception and the inaugural event for the Irene Hirano Inouye Distinguished Lecture Series at JANM’s Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. The program featured Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch III, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in conversation with Lisa Sasaki, Deputy Under Secretary for Special Projects at the Smithsonian Institution. It was aRead More

MSU Museum Reveals Monumentum and Launches Bold New Era

October 9, 2024 News

Last Friday, MSU Museum celebrated three significant milestones: the opening of a pop-up gallery at 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing, as the museum’s facility is currently closed for renovations; the debut of the Monumentum exhibition, created by Abel Korinsky of Berlin-based Studio Korinsky as part of the inaugural MSUFCU Arts Power Up residency program; and the launch of Ascent, the MSU Museum’s $28 million capital campaign aimed at reimagining the museum’s galleries with an innovative, interdisciplinary approach. The eveningRead More

Shaping the Future: National Youth Summit on Elections & Politics

September 27, 2024 News

The Michigan State University Museum was proud to collaborate on the 11th Annual Smithsonian National Youth Summit on September 20, 2024, focusing on “Elections & Politics.” As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian, we had the incredible opportunity to bring young adults together to discuss the importance of civic engagement and political participation. Engaging young adults in voting and civic life is critical for a vibrant democracy. Events like this help empower the next generation to understand the importance ofRead More

Addressing Partisan Tensions in Museums: Continuing the Conversation

September 20, 2024 News

I am pleased to share a follow-up to last year’s inaugural Future of Museums Summit, where we hosted a panel discussion on Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums. The session received exceptionally positive feedback, demonstrating the relevance and importance of these issues within our field. While we were unable to address all of the thoughtful questions posed during the event, Christy Coleman and I have provided written responses to some of the most pressing inquiries in a recent blog post publishedRead More

MSU Museum: A Year of Innovation, Community, and Inclusive Growth

September 13, 2024 News

I’m happy to share the Michigan State University Museum’s Annual Report for the 2023-2024 academic year, showcasing a year filled with innovation, collaboration, and meaningful contributions to both our campus and broader communities. Our commitment to advancing student and faculty success, research, and community engagement remains stronger than ever. Empowering Learning through Experience At MSU Museum, we take pride in being a catalyst for creativity and learning. As Michigan’s first Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and an accredited member ofRead More

Museums Navigating Partisan Divides at the CAJM Conference

May 22, 2024 News

I was privileged to moderate a plenary discussion titled “Museums Navigating Partisan Divides” at the recent Council of American Jewish Museums’ annual conference, themed “Museums and Democracy: Elevating Civic Engagement.” This dialogue brought together distinguished leaders, including Jorge Zamanillo, the Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino; Rachel Perić, Executive Director of Welcoming America; and Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson, Executive Director of the Association of African American Museums. Navigating partisan divides is a critical, yet challenging issueRead More

Insights on University Museum Renovations: Featured in The New York Times

April 29, 2024 News

I’m excited to share a recent feature in The New York Times, where I had the honor of discussing the evolving role of university museums in today’s educational landscape. — “Upgraded Museums Add New Value to College Campuses: Educational institutions across the United States are spending more money to renovate museums and make them a more integral part of learning.“

Serving the Field as AAM Vice Chair & Secretary

April 10, 2024 News

I’m truly honored to continue my board service with the American Alliance of Museums by serving as Vice Chair and Secretary for the upcoming year. I look forward to serving the museum community more deeply. I’m excited to collaborate with a group of talented professionals, each bringing diverse experiences and perspectives to our collective efforts. Our goal is to further the Alliance’s mission—to champion equitable and impactful museums by connecting people, fostering learning and community, and nurturing museum excellence. AsRead More