Arab American National Museum Plans Expansion, Receives Accreditation

Big changes are underway for the Arab American National Museum in downtown Dearborn.

The museum recently received approval from the city's Zoning Board of Appeals to expand into two closed businesses adjacent to the property on Michigan Avenue — the former Zamboni Room sports bar and A to Z Medical Equipment.

The 4,000 square foot expansion is part of an overall vision spearheaded by the museum's new director, Devon Akmon, to encourage more visitors and increase the number of hands-on cultural programs.

"We envision that space to be very community-centric," Akmon said. "We don't have the firm details of what will be happening there, but the driving philosophy is to engage the public in new and exciting ways."

Ideas range from a live performance space, to conference rooms and gathering spaces. In the past, the museum held most of its programs in the courtyard, which Akmon said was not always conducive for visitors who prefer the quiet reflective ambiance museums are known for.

"To have an area that's separate but also a part of the museum will allow us to continue to position ourselves as the central repository for collections and materials that relate to Arab-Americans while also being a focal point for trusted and reliable information," he said.

The project is being funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Since opening in 2005, Akmon said the museum had a steady flow of visitors, and has even managed to garner interest from state and national leaders. It is the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to preserving the history of the Arab-American community.

Akmon said about 52,000 people come through the museum’s doors annually, but that does not include online visitors or attendance at traveling exhibits across the country.

"We've done a good job representing the diverse heritage of Arab-Americans who have been living in this country for well over 100 years. Those experiences are different, by place of origin, time of immigration, etc.," he said. "Recognizing that diversity but at the same time striving to build a cohesive community that is based on the commonalities that tie us together is one of our main goals."

The museum accomplishes that task by working with the Arab community to acquire collections nationwide through a "co-creating content" process.

"Individuals can come into the museum and record oral histories or scan photographs and that allows us to absorb those artifacts into our collection," Akmon said. "It's a double-edged sword. It benefits the community and it benefits the museum."

Expanding beyond the museum's walls

As part of a long-term goal to promote diversity, the museum recently launched its Global Fridays program, featuring a panel discussion on the musical traditions of Mali.

Other scheduled concerts include music from Nigeria, a fusion of American and Arab jazz, and Greek urban folk music.

On Sept. 21, the museum will host “The Spirit of Al-Andalus: A Concert of Arab Music and Flamenco” at 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at Orchestra Hall at the Max Fisher Music Center in Detroit.

Akmon said the concert demonstrates Arab culture and how it fuses with other cultures, something the museum has tried to show since it opened its doors.

"If we want people to relate to the Arab-American story, we have to be equally receptive to other stories and embrace the diversity of this nation," he said.

Another upcoming project titled YallaEat! (Arabic for Let’s go eat!) provides participants a free culinary walking tour of Detroit's historic Eastern Market. The program begins on Sept. 17.

"By creating an immersive and participatory experience to the public, we are able to reach our goal of moving beyond the walls of the museum," Akmon said.

Museum receives accreditation

The museum received word earlier this month that its application for accreditation with the American Alliance of Museums was approved.

"This is a major endorsement of the museum," Akmon said. "It shows that we operate in a way that follows a high ethical standard, we have good governance and that we're fiscally responsible. It's a gold ribbon standard for us."

Accreditation increases the museum's credibility and value to funders, policy makers and the community at large. Akmon said of the 17,500 museums in the United States, less than 7 percent have been accredited.

"To be only eight years old, this is a very significant accomplishment and we're proud of that," he said.

For more information on the Arab American National Museum or any of its programs, visit http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org/.

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