TEMPLA invites international researchers into medieval art history and related disciplines to debate the concept and expression of “dynamic episcopal and canonical commemoration” which occurred in European episcopal sees during the medieval period. The concept of commemoration goes beyond the funerary to include all those works, activities and uses of space that transmit through time a record of bishops and canons, their institutions, and important lay people. These commemorative works, however, were grafted onto a common setting that was in use over a long period of time. Thus, each cathedral setting witnessed the emergence of different dynamics in terms of the interactions and intersections between individual and/or collective memory. 

Argument 

TEMPLA is a permanent workshop of Medieval Studies composed of specialists from universities, museums and archives from different parts of Spain, Europe and in particular Catalonia. The members of this team share common interests as well as complementary areas of expertise. The impact of its research and interactions with experts from other disciplines are reflected in its specific research projects and academic activities, which in turn are disseminated in annually organised scientific meetings and resulting publications.

TEMPLA members actively seek to collaborate with different research groups and scientific institutions. They aim to facilitate exchanges among researchers and to stimulate scientific debates relating to visual programs and spatial organization from the Middle Ages. Particular attention is devoted to the liturgical influences and architectural scenery and to reflection on the social and academic status of research into Middle Ages art and culture. 

TEMPLA invites international researchers into medieval art history and related disciplines to debate the concept and expression of “dynamic episcopal and canonical commemoration” which occurred in European episcopal sees during the medieval period. The concept of commemoration goes beyond the funerary to include all those works, activities and uses of space that transmit through time a record of bishops and canons, their institutions, and important lay people. These commemorative works, however, were grafted onto a common setting that was in use over a long period of time. Thus, each cathedral setting witnessed the emergence of different dynamics in terms of the interactions and intersections between individual and/or collective memory.  

We have abundant artistic and non-artistic testimonies in which commemorative actions aim to keep alive the memory of certain individuals after their deaths; in these instances, memory is most frequently channelled through works of a funereal nature. Although there have been many studies (mainly monographs) that have studied the commemoration of the dead from a static perspective, we propose that these individual commemorative acts be revised and presented in a new context: the general dynamics of memory in each cathedral setting. 

Nevertheless, episcopal and canonical commemoration may also be connected to other activities such as liturgical and devotional practices, or it may be linked to circumambulation in and around cathedral spaces. Uncovering and analysing these diverse elements through multidisciplinary research is one ofthe principalaims of this workshop. 

1. To identify the diverse resources (such as art, architecture and liturgy, among others) that were used to foster the commemoration of bishops and canons (individually or collectively) in European medieval cathedrals.

2. To propose new forms of dynamically contextualising commemoration that combine the results of artistic patronage with other non-artistic forms such as liturgy, devotion, circumambulation or even ecclesiastical policy. This emphasis on “action” and “framework for action” will assist us in arriving at a novel understanding of the “dynamic” experience of commemoration in cathedrals that goes beyond the funerary.

3. To establish, on the basis of the results of the two previous objectives, new approaches and forms of multidisciplinary research into European cathedrals. 

This scientific meeting is intended for a small number of participants; the application procedure allows for 12 researchers to be invited to present their research. Participants will be expected to take an active role in the debates that will follow each presentation. Every researcher must benefit from the contributions of the other specialists. The presentations and debates may be take place in Spanish, French, Italian or English. 

Format: The debates will take place on the first two days. On the third day there will be a visit to a Catalan cathedral to highlight in situ its particular specificities regarding episcopal and canonical commemoration.

Submission guidelines

The workshop is principally aimed at young pre- and postdoctoral researchers in the ambits of history of art, history and liturgical studies. Those who are interested in participating in the TEMPLA Summer School 2015 must submit:

• A letter of motivation that includes a description their current research,
• A CV (maximum one page)
• A presentation proposal (maximum 300 words).

These documents may be in Spanish, French, Italian or English. 

The deadline for submitting this documentation is

25 May 2015.

It must be sent to: gerardo.boto@udg.edu,  isabel.escandell@uib.es, elozano@tortosa.uned.es 

Applicants will receive a response before 14 June. The successful candidates must provide the organizers with a description of the ideas that they wish to present, any images relating to their presentation and a brief bibliography by 28 June 2015. This documentation will be used to create a dossier to be handed out to the other attendees. The aim of this initiative is to encourage participants to submit proposals of direct interest to the planned debates. 

The workshop will take place in the “Nicolau d'Olwer i  Pere i Joan Coromines” room of the Institut d’Estudis Catalans. Carrer del Carme 47. 08001 Barcelona

Accommodation and other activities will be covered by the organisers. Participants must pay the cost of their journeys to the workshop.

Collaborators in the TEMPLA Barcelona Summer School 2015:

• Financial support: Research Group recognized by the Catalan Government: 2014 SGR 110 “EDIFICIOS Y ESCENARIOS RELIGIOSOS MEDIEVALES EN LA CORONA DE ARAGÓN”.
• Scientific Host: Amics de l’Art Romànic and Institut d’Estudis Catalans.

Scientific committee

• Gerardo Boto Varela, Facultat de Lletres, Institut de Recerca Històrica, Universitat de Girona (Spain) 

• Vincent Debiais, Centre d'études supérieures de civilisation médiévale, Université de Poitiers- CNRS (France). 

• Isabel Escandell Proust, Facultat de Filosofia i Lletres, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Institut de Recerca Històrica -Universitat de Girona- (Spain) 

• Justin E. A. Kroesen, Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, Institute for Christian Cultural Heritage, University of Groningen (Netherlands).  

• Esther Lozano López, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Institut de Recerca Històrica -Universitat de Girona- (Spain)