‘The Poetry Translation Centre extends the territory of English poetry… generous translations that make welcome the magnificent poetic traditions of many communities now settled here.’
– Carol Ann Duffy, patron of the PTC
The Poetry Translation Centre is seeking up to two new members for our board of trustees. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with experience in partnership development across cultural and commercial sectors, fundraising and literary translation.
The PTC was established by the poet Sarah Maguire in 2004 to introduce new audiences to leading poets from around the world, and to better understand and celebrate the diverse communities who have made their home in the UK. We focus on poetry from Africa, Asia and Latin America, working collaboratively with poets and translators to bring new work to English-speaking audiences. We are a portfolio organisation, funded by the Arts Council for England.
In our first 15 years we grew into an organisation with global reach and a reputation for literary excellence. We have
- translated more than 500 poems by 115 poets in 30 languages
- published 25 bilingual chapbooks, four collections and one award-winning anthology
- worked with over 80 translators and poets;
- developed prestigious events such as our recent Poetries Translation symposium at SOAS;
- established the Sarah Maguire Prize for Poetry in Translation, and
- created an accessible online archive of poetry in translation, which is visited by 250,000 people every year.
Our partners include UK publishers, (international) literary festivals, human rights organisations and local community centres. And of course, we work with dozens of poets and translators at all stages of their careers.
Our trustees oversee the strategic planning and artistic vision of the PTC. They provide the PTC team with guidance and support, and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation’s assets are safeguarded by providing strong governance in the areas of finance and management. Our trustees are also active champions of the PTC and help to raise funds and awareness for the organisation.
We want to find two trustees who will bring added value to all areas of the PTC’s work, and who will be enthusiastic advocates for our mission and activities.
The board, chaired by Sandy Balfour, meets at least four times per year at our London office. Trustees serve for a three-year term, which may be renewed once. Trustees are not remunerated.
To find out more about the PTC please look at our the About Us page.
To apply
Please submit a CV, with names and contact details of two referees, and a letter of not more than 500 words explaining why you are interested in joining the PTC’s Board of Trustees and what you would bring to the board.
The deadline for applications is Monday 25 November 2019. Please email your application to the PTC’s chief executive Astrid Alben at astrid@poetrytranslation.org.
You can also apply by post. Please send your application to:
Astrid Alben
The Poetry Translation Centre
The Albany
Douglas Way
London SE8 4AG
Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned to take place in London in the second week of December 2019.
We look forward to receiving your application. If you have questions, please write to PTC Chair Sandy Balfour at sandy@sandybalfour.com.