Our third public workshop focused on the role of literary translation in cultural diplomacy and the promotion of international dialogue. It took place at the Free Word Centre in London on April 25th 2016. Our lead participants were Erica Jarnes (English PEN), Gabriela Mocan (Romanian Cultural Institute, London) and Sophie Wardell (Free Word Centre).
Sophie and Erica spoke about how their respective organizations support and promote literary translation. Sophie described how Free Word assists the professional development of translators, uses translated literature as a means of fostering multicultural understanding, and encourages people to read more in translation. Erica focused in particular on English PEN's grants programme that supports publishers and translators. Gabriela gave us an insight into the work of a particular national cultural institute and its efforts to support Romanian literature by organising events, including workshops and programmes for emerging translators, building relationships with publishers and promoting national funding schemes.
The subsequent audience discussion, featuring interventions from various translators, publishers and representatives of national embassies and cultural centres, turned repeatedly on the notion Erica proposed of literary translation as an 'ecosystem', with some favouring greater intervention, others wary of the unwitting impact of such intervention.
