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Open Call for Literary Events and Projects (Denmark)

Deadline: 12-Feb-2026

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Literary Events and Projects programme funds high-quality literary events, initiatives, and translator support that promote Danish literature and authors in Denmark and internationally. The programme prioritizes innovative audience engagement, artistic quality rooted in human creativity, fair geographic distribution, and sustainable practices.

Programme Overview

The Literary Events and Projects programme by the Danish Arts Foundation supports initiatives that promote Danish literature and authors and strengthen the professional development of literary translators.

Funding is available for public literary events, festivals, literature presentation projects, translator networks, mentor support for translators, and research travel for foreign translators, agents, and publishers.

The programme is administered by the Committee for Literary Project Funding and focuses on both national and international outreach.

Purpose and Objectives

The programme aims to:

  • Promote Danish literature in Denmark and abroad

  • Improve public access to literature

  • Support high-quality, innovative literary events

  • Strengthen translator skills, mentoring, and professional networks

  • Encourage environmentally sustainable cultural practices

  • Ensure artistic quality grounded in human creativity, not machine-generated work

Priority Areas

The committee gives priority to projects that:

  • Engage audiences who do not usually seek out literature

  • Demonstrate innovation in format, presentation, or outreach

  • Have limited access to alternative funding sources

  • Contribute to a fair geographic distribution of cultural funding

  • Integrate green sustainability into planning and delivery

What Types of Activities Are Supported?

Literary Events and Initiatives

Funding may be awarded for:

  • Literary festivals and public events

  • Readings, talks, and performances based on Danish literature

  • Literature presentation projects with a clear Danish artistic focus

  • Initiatives promoting Danish authors and illustrators

All audience-facing events must be public and clearly announced.

Translator Support

Support is also available for:

  • Mentor support for translators

    • Fixed grant amount: DKK 6,000

    • Must be linked to a specific translation project

  • Translator network support

    • Limited to local networks of translators working from Danish

  • Research travel

    • For foreign translators, agents, and publishers

Funding Amounts and Payment Structure

  • Projects are rarely funded in full

  • Self-financed or partially funded projects are viewed positively

  • Funding levels vary depending on project scope

  • Only in exceptional cases does support exceed DKK 100,000

Payment rules:

  • Grants of DKK 100,000 or less are paid close to the project start date

  • Larger grants for longer projects are paid in instalments

  • All grants are reported to the Danish Tax Agency, regardless of taxation status

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applications may be submitted by:

  • Organisers of literary events and initiatives

  • Cultural organisations and institutions

  • Translators applying for network support

  • Translators and publishers applying for mentor support

The project must be based on Danish literature.

Participant Eligibility

Authors, illustrators, and translators involved must:

  • Have published at least one work in Danish

Specific Conditions

  • Translator mentor support must relate to a concrete translation project

  • Translator network support is limited to local networks translating from Danish

Ineligible Projects

Funding is not available for projects related to:

  • Research or academic studies

  • Education or teaching activities

  • Regional or local history

  • Handbooks

  • Self-help or lifestyle books

  • Dictionaries

  • Catalogues or similar literature

Projects that are completed before the application deadline are also not eligible.

Why This Programme Matters

The Literary Events and Projects programme:

  • Expands access to Danish literature for diverse audiences

  • Encourages innovation while safeguarding artistic integrity

  • Supports translators as key cultural intermediaries

  • Strengthens international awareness of Danish authors

  • Promotes sustainability in the cultural sector

How Applications Are Assessed

Eligible applications are evaluated primarily on artistic quality, with attention to:

  • Overall coherence and quality of the project

  • Literary quality and talent of participating authors, illustrators, and translators

  • Purpose, goals, and expected impact

  • Relevance to identified target groups

  • Ability to engage audiences unfamiliar with literature

  • Use of new or experimental artistic formats

  • Organiser’s capacity to deliver the project successfully

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

  • The project is based on Danish literature

  • The activity has not already been completed

  • All participants meet publication requirements

Step 2: Prepare Mandatory Documents

Applications must include:

  • The mandatory application and budget template

  • A bank information form for payment details

Step 3: Submit via the Grant Portal

  • All applications must be submitted through the Grant Portal

  • Physical materials 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

  • No additional materials beyond required documents are assessed

If changes are needed, applicants must submit a complete new version within the application period.

Important Administrative Rules

  • Responsibility for accuracy and completeness lies entirely with the applicant

  • Applications and grants cannot be transferred to another legal person or company

  • Applicants must clearly identify the correct applicant before submission

Timeline and Communication

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

  • All communication takes place through the Grant Portal

  • Applicants can track progress under “My applications” in the portal

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting projects that fall under ineligible categories

  • Applying for completed projects

  • Uploading files in unsupported formats or exceeding size limits

  • Attempting to add extra, unrequested materials

  • Failing to clearly define the project’s audience and impact

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of projects are prioritised?

Innovative literary projects that engage new audiences while maintaining high artistic quality.

2. Can projects be fully funded?

Rarely. Partial or self-financed projects are generally favoured.

3. Who can apply for mentor support for translators?

Translators and publishers, provided the support is linked to a specific translation project.

4. Are international projects eligible?

Yes, as long as they promote Danish literature and meet all formal requirements.

5. Is sustainability considered in evaluation?

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

6. How will I receive updates on my application?

All updates and decisions are communicated through the Grant Portal.

Conclusion

The Danish Arts Foundation’s Literary Events and Projects programme is a key funding opportunity for organisations, translators, and cultural actors working to expand the reach of Danish literature. By supporting innovative events, translator development, and sustainable practices, the programme strengthens Denmark’s literary presence both at home and internationally.

For more information, visit Danish Arts Foundation.