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BE MEDIA® COMPLETES AUDIOVISUALS FOR THE INNOVATIVE ARAB AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM
Prominent systems integration firm brings state-of-the-art technologies to the U.S.’s first educational institute and museum dedicated to the contributions of Arab Americans
June 11, 2005; EL SEGUNDO, CA -- Be Media, the Los Angeles-based commercial audio, video, lighting and control design and integration firm, announces the May 5th grand opening of the 38,000 square-foot facility celebrating the many contributions Arab Americans have and continue to make in the United States. Representing the realization of a dream funded by approximately $15 million raised by the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS), the museum is located across from Dearborn City Hall with a glass dome harboring three floors of exhibits, a 160-seat theatre and an art gallery. The project, commissioned to Be Media by Cincinnati-based worldwide master planner, designer and producer, Jack Rouse Associates, marks the first collaboration of the two companies. Heather Witt, Jack Rouse Associates Project Manager for the Arab American Museum explains, “It was very apparent that the project touched the Be Media team as much as it touched us.” Be Media President & CEO, Mohammad Ahmadi, also notes on the impact of participating in the historical achievement, “Everyone who walks into this facility, no matter their heritage, will be moved. Working with ACCESS and Jack Rouse Associates in order to bring every aspect to life was honestly heartfelt.” Among many accolades, the experience of the museum highlighted by “personal artifacts, skillfully distilled reminiscences and absorbing interactive displays” has The Wall Street Journal declaring (on May 5, 2005), “It makes for a lively museum experience.” Within the museum, three permanent exhibits examine the origins of Arab culture, immigration to America, and the notable deeds of Arab Americans. The use of audio, video, lighting and control technologies in as many as 24 exhibit “vignettes” required the solutions provided by very precise design, product specification and installation. For example, according to Ahmadi, “Due to the close proximity of many ‘stories,’ the audio has to be highly directional in order to maintain the intimacy of each experience. In addition, operability, maintenance and control of the variety of the components, especially of the interactive items, had to be of the highest caliber while appreciating that every dollar had to be raised by the remarkable people at ACCESS.”
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About Be Media: Headquartered in El Segundo, California with additional offices in Columbus, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia, Be Media is a full-service audiovisual and lighting systems firm with state-of-the-art engineering, fabrication and testing facilities. Be Media offers clients expertise in all phases of project construction – from concept design to long-term service. Projects range in scope and size, featuring installations for commercial, institutional and entertainment venues. For additional information visit www.BeMedia.com or contact Kerry Doyle at 877-210-7664.
Jack Rouse Associates is a worldwide master planner, designer and producer of museum exhibits, themed entertainment attractions and sports facilities. To speak with someone about JRA’s work on the Arab American National Museum and other cultural facilities, contact Sara J. Bennett at 513-381-0055. For more information about the firm, visit www.jackrouse.com.
The Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) is a human services organization committed to the development of the Arab American community. Staff and volunteers join forces to meet the needs of low income families, to help newly arrived immigrants adapt to life in America, and to foster among Americans a greater understanding of Arab culture as it exists both here and in the Arab world. ACCESS provides a wide range of social, mental health, educational, artistic, employment, legal and medical services. For more information about ACCESS, visit www.accesscommunity.org.
For information on the Arab American National Museum, please visit www.theaanm.org, email [email protected], or call 313-582-AANM.
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