News | Devon Akmon

A Partnership to Empower and Celebrate African American Artisans

November 30, 2023 News

The MSU Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is one of four organizations selected to take part in a project through the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage to expand the visibility of underrepresented local elder African American artisans. The project—Cultural Sustainability and Legacy Planning for Craft Artists—was conceived to assist makers in safeguarding their stories while building relationships among artists, between elders and youth, and with local cultural institutions. The three-phased craft legacy planning project kicked off with a three-dayRead More

An Exclusive Conversation with Russ White of ‘MSU Today’

November 29, 2023 News

Yesterday, I had the honor and privilege of speaking with Russ White from ‘MSU Today with Russ White‘ about the latest developments at the MSU Museum. Our conversation delved into how the museum is becoming a vital ‘third space’ for students, acting as a catalyst for interdisciplinary teaching, learning, and research, and serving as a creative collaboratory for the campus.

MSU Museum Embarks on Innovative Project with $2 Million Boost from Forest Akers Trust

November 13, 2023 News

The MSU Museum is thrilled to announce a transformative gift of $2 million from the Forest Akers Trust, a major step forward in reimagining how the Museum engages with its communities and educates future generations. The generous investment will be used to construct and equip two groundbreaking spaces within the Museum. This includes an Immersive Lab for object-based learning and an Exhibit Lab for experiential learning. These spaces are set to transform the way students and visitors interact with theRead More

Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums

November 1, 2023 News

The inaugural Future of Museums Summit, presented by the American Alliance of Museums, is taking place November 1 and 2 virtually. The conference will “explore four themes from the current edition of TrendsWatch: the evolution of digital practice, workplace trends, the growing partisan divide, and recent developments in repatriation, restitution, and reparations.” I have the pleasure and honor of leading one of the discussions, entitled “Navigating Partisan Tensions in Museums.” Participants in this session will delve into the phenomena of how theRead More

Establishing the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino

October 7, 2023 News

Last night, I had the pleasure of hosting my friend and colleague, Jorge Zamanillo, Founding Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino, for a conversation here on the campus of Michigan State University. In his engaging presentation, Jorge shared the remarkable journey from his early days as an archaeologist in Miami to becoming the driving force behind the establishment of this groundbreaking museum, which Congress established in December 2020. This program was presented by the MSU MuseumRead More

Michigan State University Museum’s Year in Review: Resilience, Innovation, and Growth

August 18, 2023 News

I am delighted to share with you Michigan State University Museum’s annual report, a testament to our institution’s resilience, innovation, and growth over the past year. As you delve into the pages, you’ll discover a newly crafted strategic plan and brand, both reflective of our unwavering mission to serving the MSU community at the nexus of the arts, sciences, cultures, and technologies. The blueprint therein not only offers a roadmap for the next five years but also ensures that weRead More

A Catalytic Gift to Support CoLab Studio

October 12, 2022 News, Uncategorized

On Monday, October 10, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) announced a $5.5M gift to advance three Michigan State University arts programs over the next five years. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Michigan State University Museum. This major gift is a continuation of MSUFCU’s investment in arts and cultural at MSU. The award will support three initiatives: the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Endowment, which will fund two pilot programs: the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts ResidenciesRead More

Exhibition & Programs Explore the Impact of the Global Climate Crisis

September 6, 2022 News

The MSU Museum is pleased to present 1.5° Celsius now through February 25, 2023. The exhibition and its supporting programs imagine new ways of addressing the social and environmental issues connected to the global climate crisis. Through the contributions of national and international artists, scientists, and researchers, the exhibition addresses the global climate crisis across three key themes. These themes focus on the interdependence of all life, imagined futures, and sustainable solutions to combat the global climate crisis. After reviewing over 175Read More

MSU Museum Reveals New Look and Purpose

August 25, 2022 News

The MSU Museum is pleased to introduce a new five-year strategic plan and the launch of a new Museum division focused on innovation and experimentation. The MSU Museum has been an important resource to the Michigan State University community for over 165 years. Since 1857, the Museum had been collecting objects and creating exhibitions that reflect our shared histories and experiences. However, we believe a university museum can and should be so much more. That is why the MSU MuseumRead More

Field of View: An Art x Science Film Series

May 23, 2022 News, News

After two years of social distancing and other precautions due to the ongoing pandemic, the MSU Museum is pleased to bring the local community together in an outdoor public setting for an exciting new films series that will entertain, enlighten, and illuminate minds. Field of View: An Art x Science Film Series, co-presented by the MSU Museum, MSU Science Gallery, and the City of East Lansing, features a collection of eight thought-provoking documentaries exploring humankind’s understanding of the world. ThisRead More