RFAs: Literary Production and Translation Grant Programme (Denmark)

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Literary Production and Translation Grant Programme supports the production and translation of high-quality Danish literary works for international audiences. The programme funds books, e-books, drama, and literary podcasts translated from Danish, prioritising human-made artistic quality, professional publishing standards, and the global dissemination of Danish literature.

Programme Overview

The Literary Production and Translation Grant Programme is administered by the Danish Arts Foundation through its Committee for Literary Project Funding.

The programme supports the production and translation of Danish literary works for adults, children, and young adults, enabling high-quality Danish literature and authorships to reach readers outside Denmark.

Funding covers a wide range of literary formats, including print and digital publications, provided the works are translated from Danish into non-Nordic languages.

Purpose and Strategic Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Promote Danish literature internationally

• Improve access to literature in Denmark and abroad

• Support high-quality Danish authorships and literary projects

• Strengthen professional literary translation and publishing

• Ensure artistic integrity rooted in human creativity

A core principle of the programme is that artistic quality must be human-made. Limited use of technology is allowed as a support tool or part of creative experimentation, but creators may not act solely as post-editors of machine-generated text or illustrations.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

The programme supports the publication of translated Danish literature in the following formats:

• Printed books

• E-books

• Literary web publications

• Drama and dramatic works

• Literary podcasts

Both production and translation costs must be included in one combined application per work.

Literary podcasts and digital publications are supported based on defined scope, format, and duration.

Grant Amounts and Funding Levels

Grant amounts are fixed according to the scope and complexity of the project.

Typical funding levels include:

• DKK 15,000 for smaller and less complex publications

• Up to DKK 100,000 for especially complex or expensive works

Applications requesting higher amounts must include:

• Additional justification

• Clear information on other sources of financing

Applicants are rarely funded in full and are encouraged to demonstrate financial realism.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by:

• Publishing houses

• Literary publishers

• Organisations publishing Danish literary works in translation

Only legal entities may apply. Individuals are not eligible to apply for translation support.

Rights and Contract Requirements

Before submitting an application, applicants must:

• Have acquired the publication rights to the work

• Have signed a contract with the named translator

The work must not be published before the application deadline.

Nordic Publishers

• Nordic publishers must apply instead to “Nordiske oversættelser / Nordic Translations”

• This programme does not support translations into other Nordic languages

Ineligible Works and Activities

Funding is not available for publications within the following categories:

• Research and academic literature

• Educational materials

• Regional or local history

• Handbooks

• Self-help and lifestyle books

• Dictionaries

• Catalogues or similar non-literary works

Why This Programme Matters

The Literary Production and Translation Grant Programme plays a key role in:

• Expanding the global reach of Danish literature

• Supporting professional translators and publishers

• Ensuring editorial and artistic excellence

• Enabling publication of works that may not be commercially self-sustaining

• Strengthening Denmark’s international literary presence

How Applications Are Evaluated

All eligible applications are assessed by the Committee for Literary Project Funding.

Evaluation criteria include:

• Artistic quality of the work

• Literary and editorial standards

• Professionalism and experience of the publisher

• Qualifications and experience of the translator

• Whether the translator translates directly from Danish

• Whether the translator translates into their mother tongue

• Relevance and current international interest of the work

• Contribution to strengthening Danish literature abroad

The committee also considers:

• Geographic distribution of funding

• Whether the applicant has received little or no previous support

• Projects with limited commercial viability

• Integration of green sustainability into production and distribution

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

• The work is Danish literary content

• The translation language is not Nordic

• Rights to the work have been secured

• A translator contract has been signed

• The work has not yet been published

Step 2: Prepare Mandatory Documents

Applications must include:

• The mandatory application and budget template

• A Danish text sample of the original work

• The required bank information form

Step 3: Submit via the Grant Portal

• All applications must be submitted through the Grant Portal

• Physical submissions are not accepted

Step 4: Follow Technical Requirements

• Maximum total attachment size: 25 MB

• Accepted formats: PDF, Word, MP3, MP4

• ZIP files are not accepted

Applicants may submit revised applications during the application period, but only the latest complete version will be assessed.

Timeline and Decision Process

• Applications are reviewed after the deadline

• Applicants receive a decision no later than 12 weeks after the application deadline

• Application status can be monitored via the Grant Portal

Important Administrative Rules

• Responsibility for accuracy and completeness lies entirely with the applicant

• Incomplete applications may result in rejection

• Applications and awarded grants cannot be transferred to another legal entity

• Applicants must clearly define the applicant organisation before submission

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying before securing rights or a translator contract

• Submitting translations into Nordic languages under this programme

• Requesting support for ineligible genres

• Uploading unsupported file formats or oversized attachments

• Failing to combine production and translation costs into one application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does the programme fund?

It funds the production and translation of Danish literary works into non-Nordic languages.

2. Can individuals apply for translation support?

No. Only publishers and organisations may apply.

3. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to DKK 100,000 for complex projects, with strong justification.

4. Are literary podcasts eligible?

Yes. Literary podcasts and digital publications are supported based on scope and duration.

5. Can I apply if the book is already published?

No. The work must not be published before the application deadline.

6. Are Nordic language translations supported?

No. Nordic publishers must apply to the Nordic Translations scheme instead.

7. Is sustainability considered?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to integrate green sustainability into their projects.

Conclusion

The Literary Production and Translation Grant Programme is a cornerstone funding opportunity for publishers seeking to bring Danish literature to international audiences. By prioritising human-made artistic quality, professional translation, and cultural impact, the programme ensures that Danish literary voices continue to reach readers worldwide.