Lec-a-ture.

June 3, 2009 10:11 AM

Finding a place to hold a lecture series?

A few of my high school friends and I want to have a lecture series over the summer, just for fun. How do we go about finding a space for this? We don't have a large amount of disposable income, and don't want to charge for entry (though donations might be workable)

posted by LSK to media & arts (10 comments total)

Where are you?
posted by phrontist at 10:13 AM on June 3

Chicago, IL.
posted by LSK at 10:27 AM on June 3

Local University? They are bound to have space over the summer, but it would help if you have connections (eg. if one of you is an alumnus).
posted by gene_machine at 10:37 AM on June 3

Sorry, I read that as "old high school friends", so ignore my remark about alumni.
posted by gene_machine at 10:38 AM on June 3

I don't have any specific suggestions, but what about doing a Cafe Scientifique type format? Our local university had an informal lecture series at a pizza parlor, and the restaurant was happy to give them space for free because it brought in customers.
posted by jenne at 10:43 AM on June 3

How about a picnic shelter, or outdoor theater. Might be able to get permission to use the high school auditorium, or maybe a civic group's meeting hall for free. You could probably reserve a room in a YMCA, church or community center.

Look in the newspaper and see where other groups are meeting, call those places up and explain your needs. If they aren't free, might be able to trade a room for some help cleaning the place up.
posted by wrnealis at 11:09 AM on June 3

Public libraries often have spaces for such events.
posted by Pineapplicious at 11:26 AM on June 3

You might want to see if your public library offers meeting rooms for events like this.
posted by zombiedance at 11:33 AM on June 3

If your lectures don't have anything anti-religious in them, church buildings are often rented our for these types of things. Most churches have a "Fellowship Hall" sort of room or a Multi-functional room for food or gym or whatever.
Again though, most will want to know what your lecturing about before renting to you.
posted by AltReality at 12:25 PM on June 3

If your lectures don't have anything anti-religious in them, church buildings are often rented our for these types of things.

The local Unitarian Universalist church would normally allow their space to be used for this. Although I think the library or community center would be the best option.
posted by fiercekitten at 4:50 PM on June 3