Devon Ackmon, Director of the Arab American National Museum (AANM) first became aware of Artspace through community discussions exploring the feasibility of affordable artists housing with the city of Dearborn where his museum is based. He brings a vast range of experience in community and cultural development, as well as a curatorial lens to systems and institutions. He actively serves on several boards and advisory councils: The American Alliance for Museums, CultureSource, Kresge Arts Detroit, and the DeVos Institute for Arts Management at the University of Maryland, just to name a few. He joined the Artspace Board of Directors in January 2017. We asked Ackmon about his decision to add service on the Artspace board to his list of value based commitments.
What do you appreciate about the work Artspace is doing?
I appreciate how Artspace approaches its work; getting initial buy-in from communities and finding both creative and organic ways for projects to come to fruition. From the get go, Artspace strives to build community through its work. I support organizations that are aligned with my values. I live in a community where artist are struggling to find places to live and work. Artspace's mission and work enables the creative community to thrive. This means a lot to me.
How does Artspace influence your community?
The City Hall Artspace Lofts are having a tremendous impact on our community. In addition to providing affordable housing for artists, the CHAL is helping to create a sense of community. This dovetails with the Arab American National Museum's work towards building greater community through the arts. Taken together, our two institutions are helping to redefine our physical space in the community.
What connections do you find between your professional work and that of Artspace?
There is tremendous room for collaboration. Currently, the Arab American National Museum is working with Artspace to create a residential unit to support our artist residency program. Developing an artist residency program has long been a dream of our museum. However, we had no place to house artists for extended periods of time. Now we can realize our dream through collaboration with Artspace.
Additionally, we are exploring how to embed the AANM's Growth Center, which provides entrepreneurial services and support, within the CHAL. There is so much room for collaboration and innovation, and so many ways in which we can nurture and support artists.
What upcoming Artspace project are you most excited about and why?
I'm looking forward to collaborating with artists residing in the City Hall Artspace Lofts. Currently, we're meeting with artists to explore how the museum can support their work. Additionally, we are having conversation, on how we can collectively activate the park in front of CHAL as a dynamic space.
As a Board member, what has been your most memorable Artspace experience?
My most memorable Artspace experience was the grand opening of the City Hall Artspace Lofts. That was an important day for our community. Celebrating with so many people artists, friends, and supporters made for a remarkable evening.
Do you have a favorite Artspace tradition?
Grand openings! These are such joyous occasions that commemorate the end of something, as well as new beginnings.