Become a lecturer
The Arts Society Directory features over 350 accredited lecturers, giving our 340 Societies access to an inspiring range of expert speakers for their monthly lectures.
We welcome applications from experienced lecturers with a passion for the arts and the ability to engage a broad and well-informed audience.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
To become an accredited lecturer for The Arts Society, you should:
/ Have approximately three years' experience of lecturing to adult audiences
/ Be confident presenting to audiences of 100 people or more
/ Use high-quality digital images to illustrate your lectures
/ Offer a range of lectures covering subjects within The Arts Society's broad remit
OUR ARTS REMIT
The Arts Society's programme reflects the extraordinary breadth and diversity of artistic and cultural traditions and practices from around the world. Our subjects include:
- Fine art - painting, sculpture, printmaking, and other forms of fine art, including key artists, movements, patrons, styles and techniques
- Decorative arts - ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture, books and metalwork, including the history, techniques, makers and styles
- Architecture - history of architecture, contemporary design and urban planning, with a focus on significant buildings, architects and craftspeople, styles and movements
- Archaeology - ancient cultures, archaeological sites, artefacts, discoveries and areas of future interest
- Design - fashion, graphics, interiors, gardens and other design disciplines
- Music - classical, popular and traditional music, including composers, performers, instruments and musical styles from different periods and regions
- Literature - worldwide literature, poetry and drama, with a focus on key authors, works, and styles
- Performing arts - theatre, dance, opera and other performing arts
- Visual arts - photography and its history, contemporary photography and digital media; film and the history of cinema, including contemporary film and digital media; and new and emerging developments across the visual arts.
what makes a great arts society lecture?
The Arts Society has a particular format for its lectures. Your talks should:
/ Focus on an arts subject within the remit outlined above. We cannot accept talks that do not relate to the arts
/ Be illustrated with high-quality digital images throughout the talk
/ Make appropriate use of film clips, music and other media where relevant
/ Generally be one hour in length
/ Be suitable to a general, well informed audience
/ Have a clear structure and compelling narrative
/ Deliver the content promised by the lecture title
/ Be presented clearly and audibly
We are looking for lectures that combine expertise, enthusiasm and engaging storytelling, bringing the arts to life for our members.
how TO APPLY
1. Experience an Arts Society lecture
Before applying, we ask prospective lecturers to attend a meeting of an Arts Society to experience first-hand how our lectures are presented.
You can find your local Society using our Society search. Please contact the Society’s Membership Secretary to arrange your visit. Some Societies charge a guest fee, typically around £10.
2. Complete the online application
Once you have attended a Society meeting, you can complete the online application to become an Accredited Lecturer of The Arts Society.
As part of the application, you will need to provide references from two people who can comment on your lecturing skills and experience.
3. The next stages
If your application is of interest, our Education Team will contact you to discuss the next stages of the process. These include:
- Being observed delivering a lecture
- Presenting to The Arts Society’s selection panel
Successful applicants will be listed as freelance lecturers in The Arts Society Directory, where individual Societies can discover and book them for their lecture programmes.
If you have the expertise, enthusiasm and communication skills to bring the arts to life for our members, we would be delighted to hear from you.