Apply Now: Free Word Centre’s ‘Translators in Residence’

The Free Word Centre is looking for two translators in residence, with a special interest in translators who work between Arabic and English:

The residency program is now in its third year,  and aims to create “a space at Free Word for translators to forge new approaches to translation, going beyond the academic to stage playful and interactive events that make people think about translation in new ways.”

Individual residents will be paid £5000 and also provided a small budget to “develop and realise workshops and projects in schools and community settings, as well as at the Free Word Centre.” More details can be found on the Free Word website and by contacting Lauren[at]freewordonline.com.

According to Free Word Centre organizers, applicants must be practicing literary translators. They add (bold is mine):

At least one of candidates will work in a language that is widely spoken in the local community. In the local boroughs of Islington, Hackney, City and Tower Hamlets, these include: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Greek, Gujarati, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese.

The role of the translator in residence will be both challenging and rewarding. Therefore, we’re looking for a professional, practising translator, with an interest in and aptitude for working in schools and community settings, and a proactive, collaborative approach that will engage a wide range of participants and audiences.

Previous translators-in-residence have included Ollie Brock and Canan Marasligil; more information about their projects can be found on the Free Word site.

Applications are due September 6, and must include a CV, cover letter, and an outline of “some initial ideas on how you would fulfil the project objectives.” Interviews will be held at the Free Word Centre on September 19.