Grants for Translators of Swedish Literature and Drama

Grants to translators of Swedish literature and drama aim to strengthen the quality of translations from Swedish into other languages. The grant is aimed at professional translators. In this context, professional translator means translator who work professionally with literary translation.

In this context, Swedish literature means literature written in Swedish or in one of the national minority languages and published in Sweden. Swedish drama means drama written in Swedish or one of the national minority languages and performed in Sweden.

In this context, the term Swedish literature encompasses the genres prose, poetry, essays, non-fiction, picture books, comics and graphic novels, as well as drama published in book form or for stage performance, for children, young people and adults.

Funding Information

• A maximum of SEK 12,000 can be awarded for sample translation and mentorship respectively. For other projects, you apply for a grant to cover the actual costs of the project.

Eligibility Criteria

• Based on Regulation (SFS 2007:1435) on government grants for international exchange and cooperation in the field of literature, the Swedish Arts Council awards grants for translators of Swedish literature and drama into other languages.
• Grants can be applied for by professional translators of Swedish literature and drama.
• When the total amount applied for exceeds the available funds for the application round, the assessment is based on the following priorities:
  • The age of the work: The Swedish Arts Council prioritises the translation of contemporary literature but can also award grants for work with older works that may be considered important for the international dissemination of Swedish literature and drama. Language: The Swedish Arts Council prioritises the introduction of authors in a new language area.
  • Language area means that a language can be spoken in several countries, for example Spanish and English.
  • Number of applications: The Swedish Arts Council may limit the number of approved applications to a certain number per applicant.
  • Diversity: The effort to spread projects across a number of geographical areas and literary genres can also guide the priorities during an application round.

Ineligible

• Translators of literature from other languages into Swedish, as well as organisations, publishers, or networks cannot apply for the grant.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.