Introduced in September 2016, TALM’s post-graduate Art by Translation course is a research-oriented PhD programme that focuses on artistic and curatorial practices. It is open to four young creators, artists or curators who wish to pursue their studies through research. Art by Translation questions translation in the arts in three areas: translation processes and ideological issues in the arts; uses and functions of documents and archives in contemporary practice; and algorithms as an organising principle for culture. This post-graduate programme is offered by the National Graduate School of Art in Paris-Cergy and TALM School of Art and Design in Angers. It is directed by Jeff Guess, Maud Jacquin and Sébastien Pluot. The French Ministry of Culture provides funding. The school also works with many international cultural and academic organisations.

During a one-year programme, young creators participate in at least four research seminars and two workshops proposed by external parties, a symposium and three exhibitions in three different contexts. Monthly Skype meetings are organised with all participants for updates on project progress and to plan the next programme. No diploma is awarded but project quality is regularly monitored. Travel and housing expenses are covered by the programme and each creator receives a €3,000 production grant.

Art by Translation offers an experimental platform where projects develop organically in different contexts and forms: works of art, architectural constructions, exhibitions, study groups, symposiums and publications with renowned speakers. Its model breaks with the classic research-exhibition-publication sequence and aims to redefine traditional boundaries in art disciplines. The programme stimulates collaboration and exchange and encourages role- and skill-sharing. The end product is not the only result. The projects are viewed as a process with starting points and steps towards development. Depending on the subjects broached, Art by Translation travels to different sites in Europe and other regions of the world where art and curatorial projects are developed in collaboration with local museums, art centres, art schools and universities.

Graduate students from both art schools and partner academic institutions contribute to projects and benefit from these productions in different manners including seminars and workshops by post-graduate participants, conferences, setting up exhibitions, and exhibitions resulting from specific areas of research.