News | Devon Akmon

Ann Arbor Equitable Engagement Steering Committee

September 18, 2021 News

Last month I was chosen to serve as a volunteer on the City of Ann Arbor’s new Equitable Engagement Steering Committee. In sum, 30 local residents were selected to “help Ann Arbor become the inclusive and just community it desires to be.” Four goals guide our work, which include working to develop: A deeper understanding of what equity and equitable engagement means and could look like in Ann Arbor. Policy recommendations  for Council consideration and adoption . Staff guidelines based onRead More

A Conversation with Russ White of MSU Today

August 18, 2021 News

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Russ White of MSU Today. Russ is a great interviewer. He has a talent for putting his subjects at ease and in a conversational mood. Our conversation explored the recent merging of Science Gallery with the MSU Museum, my leadership of both, and the plans for revitalizing the museum in the coming years. A transcript, along with the audio from the interview, can be found at WKAR. Some excerpts from our conversation:Read More

The Inclusive Museum Leader

July 24, 2021 News

Earlier this year I had the opportunity to contribute a chapter to a new book, published by Rowman & Littlefied and the American Alliance of Museums, called The Inclusive Museum Leader. Edited by Cinnamon Catlin-Legutko, director of the Illinois State Museum, and Chris Taylor, chief inclusion officer at the Minnesota Historical Society, the book features over 25 diverse and accomplished leaders from across the museum field. Together, the authors “share their journeys to becoming inclusive leaders, as well as decisionsRead More

Homecoming: My appointment as Director of MSU Museum

July 4, 2021 News

Effective July 1, 2021, I am now serving as director of the Michigan State University Museum. In many ways, this is a homecoming. My first job in a museum was at this institution during my undergraduate studies. I’m thrilled to return and work with the staff and campus community as we envision a bold future for this vital institution. In addition, I’m still responsible for overseeing MSU’s Science Gallery. With this transition, Science Gallery has become a programmatic division ofRead More

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