Small But Mighty: The Work of Small Museums
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Devon M. Akmon Curator of Community History and Research Arab American National Museum Dearborn, MI http:// www.arabamericanmuseum.org Small But Mighty: The Work of Small Museums
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Presentation for the Smithsonian Affiliations National Conference, 2008.Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - Washington, D.C.Ethnic museums are often created in response to a given minority population's perception of exclusion from mainstream museums. Their stories have not been told, or have been too often told with malice. They want to tell their own story; however, no ethnic community has one story, can speak with one voice, has one perspective, or has one vision. How can ethnic museums synthesize different visions, stories, and experiences and incorporate them into the museum structure, exhibits, and public programming? This presentation explores the founding of the community-based Arab American National Museum.
Transcript of Small But Mighty: The Work of Small Museums
Devon M. AkmonCurator of Community History and Research
Arab American National Museum
Dearborn, MI
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Small But Mighty:The Work of Small Museums
Mission: The Arab American National Museum's mission is to document, preserve, celebrate, and educate the public on the history, life, culture and contributions of Arab Americans.
We serve as a resource to enhance
knowledge and understanding
about Arab Americans and their
presence in the United States.
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
• Established in 1971 in Dearborn, MI
• Committed to the development of the Arab American community in all aspects of its cultural and economic life
• Over 100 programs for the Arab American community and the community at large
• Over 200 full-time employees
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
• Programs include:– Main Office
• Social Services• Youth and Education
– Schaefer Building• Employment and Training• Mental Health• Social Services
– Community Health Center• Clinic• Victims of Torture Center
– Arab American National Museum
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
• Founded in 1987• Recognizing the importance of arts in the daily
life of all people• Instill community pride
• Bridge the gap between ethnic and racial groups
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
ACCESS’ Cultural Arts Program
• To further our educational and public programs
• To dispel stereotypes and misconceptions
• To meet rapid growth and increase demands
• To document, preserve and celebrate Arab American history and culture
Building a Museum
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Initial Challenges
• What kind of museum and who would it be for?
• Fear of reinforcing stereotypes or “outsider image”
• How to best reflect the diversity of the community
• The question of representation
• Constructing an Arab American identity
• September 11, 2001
• Staff lacking museum experience
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
• Assess the community’s support for a museum• Create a Museum Task Force for guidance and fund raising • Build upon established relationships• Work with regional committees throughout the county• Build a consensus and respond to the community
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Overcoming the Challenges
• Utilize personal stories that reflect the diversity of the Arab American community
• Stress the similarities of the immigrant story common to all ethnic communities
• Employ empathy and personal connections to bridge cultural gaps
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Overcoming the Challenges
• Reflect the beauty of Arab architecture and art
• Highlight the contributions of the Arab World
• Address the issue of stereotyping and exclusion
• Reflect the long presence of Arabs in America, their diversity, work and contributions
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
“A ‘Democratic Grassroots’ Approach”
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
• Community members play an integral role in developing programs by serving on various committees, including:– Collections– Exhibitions– Arab American Book Award – National Advisory Board
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
A Community-based Museum
• DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts
• Arab American Book Award
• Global Thursdays
• CU. SAME
• S.U.R.A Arts Academy
• Art and humanities exhibits
A Small Sample of Programs
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
• Continue to be rooted in our community and reflective of its needs
• Strengthen the connection with the community outside of Michigan
• Remain inclusive of others and responsive to the changing demographics of our nation
http://www.arabamericanmuseum.org
New Challenges
