«Translators are the shadow heroes of literature» (Paul Auster): These shadow heroes will be brought into the limelight by Pro Helvetia’s new priority project, «Moving Words. Promotion of translation 2009-2011». 

«Moving Words» will help to expand the position of Swiss literature in the international book market, to increase exchange between the language areas, and at the same time make the public more aware of translation as a creative activity for communicating culture. 

On May 23, during the 31st Solothurn Literature Festival, the Arts Council is to use a podium discussion with eminent speakers to present the activities it is planning for this priority area.

Angelika Salvisberg, head of Pro Helvetia’s “Literature and Society” division, will discuss with Marion Graf, Ulrich Blumenbach, Susanne Lange and Fritz Senn the practice and paradigms of translation. All of them have taken up the challenge of literature that is commonly regarded as “untranslatable”: Robert Walser, David Foster Wallace, Cervantes and James Joyce. 

The discussion will aim to illustrate the various facets of a translator’s work, and show how the promotional activities of a cultural foundation can best support translators.

Pro Helvetia Podium in the Säulenhalle of the Landhaus, 

Saturday, 23 May, 12.00 – 13.00 

Landhausquai 11, CH-4500 Solothurn