Call for Applicants: Grants for Translators of Swedish Literature

Deadline: 25-Aug-2026

The Professional Development and Sample Translation Grant supports professional translators who translate Swedish literature and drama into other languages. Funding helps translators improve their skills through training, mentorships, conferences, travel, and sample translations that can help introduce Swedish works to international publishers and theatres.

Overview

The funding program provides financial support to professional translators working from Swedish into other languages. Its goal is to strengthen the quality, visibility, and international reach of Swedish literature and drama through translator development, networking opportunities, and the creation of sample translations.

The program supports translations of works written in Swedish or Sweden’s national minority languages and covers a wide range of literary genres, including fiction, poetry, non-fiction, children’s literature, comics, graphic novels, essays, and theatre scripts.

Program Objectives

The program aims to:

• Improve the quality of translations of Swedish literature and drama.
• Strengthen the professional skills and networks of translators.
• Increase international awareness of Swedish authors and playwrights.
• Support emerging and experienced translators through mentorship opportunities.
• Encourage the introduction of Swedish works into new language markets.
• Facilitate collaboration between translators, publishers, theatres, and literary organizations.

Funding Available

Funding may be used for a variety of professional development and translation-related activities.

Sample Translation Grants

• Maximum funding: SEK 12,000
• Supports the preparation of sample translations for publishers or theatres.
• Intended to help promote Swedish works in international markets.

Mentorship Grants

• Maximum funding: SEK 12,000
• Supports mentorships between experienced translators and developing translators.
• Covers mentoring-related expenses and professional guidance activities.

Professional Development Activities

Funding may cover actual project costs for:

• Travel expenses
• Accommodation costs
• Conference fees
• Seminar participation
• Festival attendance
• Workshops and training programs
• Professional networking activities
• Other eligible career development activities

Funding levels depend on project scope, available resources, and assessment outcomes.

Eligible Activities

The program supports activities that contribute directly to translation quality and professional growth.

Eligible activities include:

• Literary translation workshops
• Professional conferences
• Industry seminars
• Literary festivals
• Translator training programs
• International networking opportunities
• Translator mentorship projects
• Preparation of sample translations
• Skills development initiatives related to literary and dramatic translation

Types of Literature Covered

Eligible works may include:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Poetry collections
• Non-fiction books
• Children’s literature
• Young adult literature
• Comics
• Graphic novels
• Essays
• Stage drama and theatre scripts

Works must be:

• Written in Swedish or a recognized Swedish national minority language.
• Published or performed in Sweden.
• Intended for translation directly from the original language.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a professional translator.
• Translate from Swedish into another language.
• Have relevant translation experience.
• Apply for an eligible professional development or sample translation activity.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following applicants are not eligible:

• Publishers
• Publishing companies
• Organizations
• Institutions
• Translators working into Swedish
• Applicants using intermediary languages rather than translating directly from Swedish

Required Application Documents

For Professional Development Projects

Applicants typically need:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Translation history and experience
• Project description
• Budget and cost estimates

For Sample Translation Applications

Applicants must provide:

• CV and translation experience
• Rights clearance or permission documentation
• Information about the work to be translated
• Sample translation proposal

For Mentorship Applications

Applicants must submit:

• CV of the mentor
• CV of the mentee
• Joint mentorship plan
• Motivation letter
• Timeline and expected outcomes

How the Application Process Works

Step 1: Select an Eligible Activity

Choose a professional development activity, mentorship opportunity, or sample translation project that aligns with the program objectives.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documentation, including:

• CV
• Translation portfolio
• Rights documentation (if applicable)
• Budget
• Project description

Step 3: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application before the relevant deadline.

Step 4: Expert Assessment

Applications are reviewed by expert advisors who evaluate:

• Professional relevance
• Translation quality impact
• Project feasibility
• Expected outcomes
• Overall justification

Step 5: Funding Decision

Applicants generally receive decisions approximately five weeks after the application deadline.

Step 6: Project Implementation and Reporting

Successful applicants complete the funded activity and submit any required reports according to program guidelines.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Contribution to professional development.
• Potential to improve translation quality.
• Relevance of the proposed activity.
• Feasibility and implementation plan.
• Experience and suitability of mentors (for mentorship grants).
• Overall project justification.

Priority may be given to:

• Contemporary Swedish works.
• New language introductions.
• Geographic diversity.
• Diverse literary genres.
• Projects that expand international access to Swedish literature.

Why This Funding Matters

Literary translators play a critical role in making Swedish literature and drama accessible to global audiences. This funding helps translators strengthen their expertise, build international networks, and promote Swedish cultural works in new markets.

The program also supports emerging translators, encourages knowledge transfer through mentorships, and contributes to the long-term sustainability of high-quality literary translation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as a publisher or organization instead of an individual translator.
• Proposing translations that use intermediary languages.
• Submitting incomplete CVs or translation histories.
• Failing to obtain rights clearance for sample translations.
• Applying for activities that have already been completed.
• Requesting funding for translations already under contract for publication.
• Providing insufficient justification for the proposed activity.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain how the activity will improve your translation practice.
• Demonstrate experience in literary or dramatic translation.
• Provide a realistic budget and timeline.
• Show the potential impact of the project on translation quality.
• Highlight opportunities to introduce Swedish works to new audiences.
• For mentorships, present a structured learning plan with measurable outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply for this funding?

Professional translators who translate directly from Swedish into another language may apply.

Can publishers or organizations apply?

No. The funding is intended for individual professional translators only.

What is the maximum grant available for sample translations?

Sample translation grants are capped at SEK 12,000.

Are mentorship projects eligible?

Yes. Mentorship projects between experienced translators and mentees are eligible and may receive up to SEK 12,000.

Can funding be used for conferences and workshops?

Yes. Travel, accommodation, conference fees, workshop participation, and related professional development costs are eligible.

Are completed activities eligible for funding?

No. Activities that have already been completed before application approval are not eligible.

When are funding decisions announced?

Applicants typically receive notification approximately five weeks after the application deadline.

Conclusion

The Professional Development and Sample Translation Grant provides valuable support for translators working to bring Swedish literature and drama to international audiences. Through funding for training, mentorships, networking opportunities, and sample translations, the program strengthens translation quality, promotes cultural exchange, and helps expand the global reach of Swedish literary and theatrical works.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.