Dr. Martin Thomas was an Associate Professor at the Centre for Translation Studies (CTS) at University of Leeds. In January 2022 Martin died suddenly. Colleagues and friends in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies (LCS) invite artists to submit proposals to collaboratively develop an art project to commemorate Martin’s work and life. We are seeking an artist with an interest in translation and cross-cultural communication who can draw on Martin’s research collection of global packaging (in particular, toothpaste packets) to design a project involving the communities at CTS and LCS.

WHAT IS THE BRIEF?

We’d like to commission an artist based or working in Leeds, or within the local region, to design and deliver a collaborative project that explores, celebrates and commemorates Martin’s work, life and legacy.

Themes resonating with Martin’s research interests in translation, visual and textual communication, and the intersection of language and graphics in physical objects like packaging design will be foregrounded.

The selected artist may wish to draw on the extensive collection of global packaging design assembled by Martin to inspire the project direction.

The artist chosen will design a process that enables them to work closely with the communities of staff and students at CTS and LCS.

A final output from the project will be displayed within the newly renamed Martin Thomas Translation Lab in the Michael Sadler building on university campus.

The deadline for initial expressions of interest is 31st January 2023. 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are keen to encourage creative and diverse applications, that reflect Martin’s interests in art, culture and international perspectives.

An artist who can facilitate a collaborative process with members of our community.

Elements drawing on Martin’s processes of research, his collections, his use of scrapbooks, and visual interests will be welcome.

THE SPACE

There is wall space allocated within the Martin Thomas Translation Lab suitable for the placing of a finished art work. See images for details.

A lasting permanent work for display in this space, as part of the LCS collection is an expected eventual output from the project.

BUDGET

The total budget for the project is £4000. This is to include artist fee, travel, materials and expenses. 

3 shortlisted artists will each receive payment of £300 in order to assist development of ideas for a brief informal interview. Reasonable travel costs will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

PAYMENT INFORMATION

In discussion with the chosen artist, we will be able to structure payments around key deliverables / events: workshop, installation, final event.

Costs associated with the project such as consumables, travel, materials will also be possible to claim within the £4000 budget as the project progresses.

ABOUT MARTIN

He first arrived at Leeds as an undergraduate in Spanish and Chinese, staying on to complete an MA in International Studies. Martin’s PhD in LCS was a comparative study of the linguistic and graphic aspects of packaging design in Taiwan and the UK.

He had worked at University of Leeds as a lecturer in the Centre for Translation Studies since October 2009 and held many leadership roles at CTS and LCS. His latest role was the Deputy Head of School.

His research contribution included a focus on multimodality in translation and cross-cultural communication; he explored this via a focus on visual communication and the intersection of words in physical objects like toothpaste packets.

A committed, passionate and caring colleague, Martin was an extremely social person, with a love of food, wine, opera, walking, cycling and design. He was from Leeds, but connected with global issues.

Martin’s Twitter and Instagram accounts can give a sense of his interests and personality: https://twitter.com/m4d1ng; @m4rt1n_th0m4s

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies is one of the largest and most diverse of its kind in the UK.

From undergraduate degrees through to postgraduate study and globally impactful research projects, our students benefit from the expertise and dedication of internationally recognised scholars, high-quality facilities and a welcoming environment.

The School of Languages, Cultures and Societies is actively working to build a diverse and inclusive school community that supports all staff and students.

Our expertise covers Europe, the Middle East and Africa, East Asia, and Latin America. It spans prehistoric times, classical and medieval periods, and the contemporary era. We use ancient texts and cutting-edge technological tools to promote the intellectual, educational, and social value of language study.

ABOUT THE CENTRE

The Centre for Translation Studies offer a range of vocationally-oriented MAs and Postgraduate Diplomas in translation, interpreting, and audio-visual translation and localisation in a variety of European and non-European language combinations.

The University of Leeds is a member of CIUTI, the world’s oldest and most prestigious international association of university institutes with translation and interpretation programmes, of which membership requires fulfilment of strict quality criteria and is a distinct seal of quality.

The University of Leeds is also a partner university of the Directorate-General for Interpretation of both the European Parliament and the European Commission.