ART.ENGLISH
ART & CULTURE-RELATED TRANSLATION
Brainchild of translator Michael Meert, art.english specialises in translating art and culture-related texts, with years of collaboration alongside leading museums, galleries, publishers, artists, curators, critics, and cultural institutions nationwide.
Michael's expertise spans translation between Dutch, French, German, and Spanish into English, as well as from these languages into Dutch. His services encompass translation, correction, copy editing, proofreading, and crafting creative, insightful, and engaging content.
The name 'art.english' embodies Michael's profound dedication to his dual passions: art and language. It reflects his commitment to bridging the gap between these two worlds.
Through language, art.english strives to convey the voices of clients and authors, faithfully translating the essence of their writings, allowing readers to fully experience their work.
BOOKS
Over the years, art.english has collaborated on a diverse array of projects centred around beautifully published books. These range from volumes accompanying exhibitions and gallery presentations to artist monographs, scholarly publications, and illustrated volumes. Each book serves as a canvas for authors, artists, designers, and publishers, with the written word acting as a bridge that allows readers to immerse themselves in the worlds of art, architecture, and design through expert translations. With meticulous care, the essence of each work is preserved across languages, page by page, ensuring that every reader experiences the beauty of a well-crafted and thoughtfully translated book.
Notable publishers we have worked with include: Jap Sam Books, MER Paper Kunsthalle, NAI Publishers, Phaidon, Stichting Kunstboek, WBOOKS, and 010 Publishers, among others.
EXHIBITION PUBLICATIONS
Specialising in translating, editing, and crafting cultural narratives for galleries, museums, and art spaces, art.english ensures that every word resonates with the audience's imagination. We create captivating descriptions, artist biographies, and gallery catalogues to engage a global audience in art exhibitions.
Clients include, among others, Annie Gentils Gallery, ARGOS, Axel Vervoordt, Bozar, Buda Kunstencentrum, CC Strombeek, Contour biënnale, Festival van Vlaanderen, FLACC(now Jester), FotoMuseum Antwerpen, Frans Masereel Centrum, Fuckinggoodart, Galerie Nathalie Obadia, GLUON, IMAL, Irene Laub Gallery, La Maison de la Culture Tournai, Land Art Flevoland, Luca School of Arts, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, M Leuven, Moussem, MANIFESTA, Middelheimmuseum, Museum Dhont-Dhaenens, M HKA, Mu.ZEE, Nadja Vilenne, Nieuwe Instituut, Openbaar Kunstbezit in Vlaanderen, Rekto:Verso, Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten Amsterdam, S.M.A.K, Wiels, Z33, and many others.
ARTISTS AND AUTHORS
From artist statements to critical essays, art.english gives voice to creative expression, ensuring that each text transcends linguistic barriers and resonates with diverse audiences. By meticulously translating and adapting each work, we help preserve the nuance and impact of the original message, making it accessible and engaging for a wide range of readers. Whether capturing the essence of an artist's vision or articulating the intricacies of critical discourse, our goal is to faithfully convey each unique perspective to a broader audience.
art.english has contributed to a wide range of projects and collaborated with numerous artists and authors, including: Hans Op de Beeck, Levi van Veluw, Frieke Janssens, Stefan Peters, Henk Delabie, Stijn Van Dorpe, Wieki Somers, Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, Vera Vermeersch, Koen Broucke, Dirk Elst, Noa Verhofstad, Henk Delabie, Tinka Pittoors, and others.
CURATORS and critics
Refining and polishing curatorial texts to convey the essence of exhibitions, publications, and artist biographies, art.english enriches the cultural dialogue and deepens audience engagement. By ensuring clarity and eloquence, we help bring the curator's vision to life, making complex concepts accessible and captivating. Our meticulous approach enhances the narrative flow and emotional impact of each text, fostering a deeper connection between the artwork and its audience.
We have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed curators and critics, such as Sofie Crabbé, Lilou Vidal, Erno Vroonen, Veerle Verbakel, Charlotte Crevits, Jo Coucke, Raphael Pirenne, Luk Lambrecht, and Elena Sorokina, contributing to projects that resonate on a global scale.
THEATRe and PERFORMANCE
Delivering precise translations and subtitling for live performances, we ensure that the integrity and impact of theatrical works are preserved. From scripts and playbills to real-time subtitling, art.english enhances the accessibility and engagement of theatre productions. Our services ensure that every line and nuance is effectively communicated, making performances resonate with diverse audiences. Whether a classic drama or a modern play, we provide the linguistic expertise to bring the theatre experience to life. We work closely with directors, playwrights, and producers to ensure that the original tone, emotion, and cultural context are maintained, allowing every performance to connect deeply with its audience.
creative communications
Tailored language solutions for every cultural endeavor, ensuring your message shines through in every project, from promotional materials to media content. art.english provides expert services for designers, architectural firms, art fairs, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, helping to communicate their vision clearly and effectively. Whether it's crafting compelling promotional content, translating intricate design concepts, or developing engaging media such as Instagram posts and web content, art.english delivers precise and impactful language solutions. Every element of your cultural project resonates with your audience, enhancing understanding and appreciation across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
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Working with Michael is always a pleasure. The translations are professional with understanding of the artist and artwork.
ANNIE GENTILS — OWNER AT ANNIE GENTILS GALLERY
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An important quality of a translator is that he not only knows the mores of a field, in my case art (history), but has an open attitude to it. I appreciate that in Michael, with whom communication has always been very pleasant in all respects.
MARGA VAN MECHELEN — ART HISTORIAN, WRITER, LECTURER
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Michael is that someone able to grasp the true essence of an artwork and put it into words causing all layers of meaning to find their delicate connections....love working with you!
NADINE DE MEESTER — ARTIST