Speakers Bureau: Become a Speaker

Become a speaker!

Learn more about DOGE’s cuts to the NEH and take action here.

The deadline to apply for Speakers Bureau has passed. Applicants: thank you for your patience as we carefully review all submissions—updates are coming soon.

Travel the state sharing your knowledge and passion.

We’re looking for scholars, writers, artists, and other experts to take to the road as part of our 2026-2027 Speakers Bureau! Our longest-running and most popular program, Speakers Bureau brings public presentations to large and small communities across the state.

At libraries, museums, cultural centers, and other community venues, speakers discuss a wide variety of topics, ranging from history to music, philosophy, and everything in between. Speakers Bureau talks often have the energy of a community event, making them different from a typical lecture at a college or university.

Speakers:

• Are paid $400 per in-person presentation (plus travel expenses) and $300 per online presentation
• Serve two-year terms
• Get to set their own schedule
• Share their knowledge in an accessible way with a wide variety of audiences