Our Mission
The AIC Speaker Series aspires to bring creative minds, inspiring ideas, and innovative thinking to our community. Artists, authors, entrepreneurs, and others are encouraged to apply to participate. Speakers may discuss their artwork, talk about their recent book or publication, share personal or inspirational ideas, explain research they have conducted, or educate the audience about new advances or innovations. As a new series, we hope to showcase a variety of subject that, in some way, relate to art and innovation.
About
The AIC Speaker Series invites experts from a variety of interests, disciplines and experiences to share their life’s passion with their neighbors in the intimate setting of the AIC Reading Room at the Weston Art & Innovation Center in Weston, MA. The series began as a result of the positive feedback received from a special fifth anniversary speaking engagement by Michael Bobbitt, Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council. That one event triggered so much excitement that it was clear our community was eager for more. The result has been a campaign to find speakers from within our surrounding communities who can present their life’s work in a way that is compelling, educational, and engaging. Topics will be varied, but we will strive for variety and relevance to our audience’s lives and futures.
The Venue
The AIC Reading Room is a charming, wood paneled room that has been restored to its original 1899 appearance. It is a 40’ * 22’ room that seats up to 49 people. The speaker is able to utilize the overhead projection system and 13’ screen if desired.
The AIC sits at the center of Weston, which is 10 minutes west of Route 128, and a short drive from Boston. Street parking is available as well as limited parking in two small parking lots on site.
Submission
Please complete the form to the right as best you can – whether you are applying to be a speaker or are recommending someone else. Most fields are required, but if you don’t have an answer to a specific question, please put ‘N/A’.
The AIC aims to attract and support a diverse audience. In your response to ‘Expression of Interest’, please tell us not only why you’re interested in speaking at the AIC, but also whether you can help us to further our goals to be inclusive and welcoming to all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have parking close to your building?
There is a small, 8 car lot in the back of our building that provides easy access to the elevator and the main floor of the building, where performances take place. Otherwise, there is ample street parking and a parking lot on the far side of the Josiah Smith Tavern within a short walk.
May authors sell their books?
Yes the speaker may sell authored books. The speaker is responsible for providing a person to man this table. All proceeds go to the speaker.
How long is the talk?
In general we expect to serve appetizers and refreshments from 6:00 – 7:00 and have the speaker present from 7:00 – 8:00. An hour is a guideline however, and time for Q&A is appreciated at the end and so the total time in front of the audience may exceed the hour time limit.
Is your building accessible?
The AIC was renovated in 2019 and was designed to be accessible. Both the front and back entrance have sloped sidewalks allowing wheelchair access. There is an elevator for transport between floors. There are bathrooms on both the ground floor and the main floor, all of which have wheelchair-accessible sinks. There are gender neutral bathrooms on the main floor.