Grants available for Translation of Swedish Literature and Drama to other Nordic languages

Since the grant is established in the national literature centres and their national and international networks, it can contribute to a wider discussion on translated literature.

Funding Information

• A maximum sum of SEK 20,000 can be granted as production support, but only for fully illustrated four-colour picture books, non-fiction, or comics and graphic novels. Non- or partly illustrated books or books with black and white illustrations, (except in some cases, such as comics), are not eligible for production support. The grant cannot cover copyright costs.

For what can you receive a grant?

• The Nordic Council of Ministers’ culture and art programme have reserved funding for translations of literature and drama from one Nordic language to another. At its disposal, the Swedish Arts Council have funding for translations from Swedish and the national minority languages.
• Swedish literature and drama means literature and drama, written in Swedish or any of the national minority languages and published in Sweden.
• The grant covers either translation costs or both translation- and some production costs for translated editions of Swedish works. Swedish works includes literature written in Swedish or any of the national minority languages in Sweden, and originally published in Sweden.
• A condition for the grant is that the translation is done directly from Swedish or any of the national minority languages, and not via any third language. Exceptions may be granted for languages where there are no professional translators directly from the national minority languages. This requires a written approval from the rightsholder that clearly states which edition shall be used for the translation.
• Swedish literature and drama entail literature and drama, written in Swedish or any of the national minority languages and published in Sweden.
• Applications for works written in Swedish that are originally being published in Finland are managed by FILI.
• The grant applies to translation of:
  • prose fiction, poetry, picture books, comics and graphic novels for adults, children and young adults
  • non-fiction in the area of general culture
  • essays
  • drama for publication in book form
• The support scheme does not apply to translation of:
  • specialised scholarly works, reference books, study materials, textbooks, Festschrifts, homage volumes,
  • publishing of sheet music,
  • yearbooks, books of local interest, exhibition catalogues,
  • hobby books, craft books, handbooks, cookbooks, and travel guides
• The sum you apply for should correspond to the fee you have agreed to in the signed translation contract with the translator. This full fee needs to be paid to the translator, regardless of the amount that the Swedish Arts Council has granted. The translator needs to confirm having received the full amount before a disbursement of the grant can take place.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications for the grant can be submitted by professional publishing houses in the Nordic countries with a developed plan for distribution of the translation in question. Publishing houses applying for grants must have documented quality publications and professional distribution channels.
• Translators and authors cannot apply for grants for translation or production support.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.