Bring Maine Speaks to Your COmmunity
Maine Speaks events may be structured in a variety of ways—as a talk, a workshop, a performance—but they all include an opportunity for the audience both to take in what the speaker has to share, and also to engage in discussion with them and with other audience members.
- Applications for Maine Speaks are open two periods a year: Fall and Winter/Spring
- We review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis, and notify applicants of our decisions as soon as possible after review.
- Organizations serving and led by members of communities traditionally under-resourced in the humanities are encouraged to apply.
The cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) continue to impact us deeply. To help close the deficit left by the termination of our General Operating Support grant from NEH, we are reducing Maine Speaks programming by 50% during the 2026 fiscal year, with only 25 total programs offered. Despite this setback, we will continue to do our best to ensure that programs reach all 16 counties.
Common Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Any individual or organization in Maine who wants to convene members of their community to learn from and engage with a gifted speaker is eligible to apply.
When should I apply?
Applicants should aim to apply 8 weeks before you plan to host a speaker.
Do I have to choose just one speaker?
We ask you to select the three speakers whose presentations seem most relevant to your community right now. Each Maine Speaks application is for one event with a single speaker. If you’re interested in creating a panel or series, please contact us before applying.
Have further questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn how this program might work best for your community.
Speakers
Our roster of nearly 40 speakers help the people of Maine explore complex topics and broaden perspectives.
Browse speakers by topic to find the right talk for your community.
Filter by:
Darren Ranco
Chair, Native American Programs and Director of Native American Research, University of Maine
Jacqui Lowman
professor emerita of Professional Communication and Journalism and founder and president of BEYOND LIMITS: Awaken Your Potential.
Libby Bischof
Osher Map Library and Smith Center for Cartographic Education, University of Southern Maine
No Speaker for this Selection
APPLY
Accepting Applications:
January 12, 2026 - May 18, 2026
August 12, 2026 - November 16, 2026
We review applications every two weeks on a rolling basis, and notify applicants of our decisions as soon as possible after review.