Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
The Swedish Arts Council Translation Grant supports the translation and international dissemination of high-quality Swedish literature into non-Nordic languages. The programme funds professional literary translation and limited production costs, prioritizing contemporary Swedish authors, direct translations, and strong publishing and distribution standards.
Programme Overview
The Swedish Arts Council is accepting applications for a translation grant aimed at promoting Swedish literature globally by supporting translations into non-Nordic languages. The programme strengthens international cultural exchange by enabling professional publishers to introduce Swedish literary works to new linguistic and cultural audiences.
The grant covers works originally published in Sweden and written in Swedish or Sweden’s national minority languages.
Purpose and Key Objectives
The grant is designed to support:
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High-quality literary translation
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Professional publishing and international distribution
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Global dissemination of Swedish contemporary and classic literature
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Linguistic diversity through minority language translations
The programme emphasizes literary excellence and sustainable international reach.
Eligible Source Languages and Translation Rules
Translations must be made directly from:
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Swedish, or
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Sweden’s national minority languages
Indirect translations are permitted only if a formal exception is approved due to the lack of qualified translators in the target language.
Works originally published in Finland are not eligible.
Genres and Works Supported
Eligible literary categories include:
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Prose fiction
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Poetry
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Picture books
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Comics and graphic novels
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Essays and general cultural non-fiction
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Drama published in book form
These genres are eligible for readers of all ages, provided the work demonstrates high literary quality.
Ineligible Content
The following categories are not supported:
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Academic or scholarly publications
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Reference works and textbooks
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Hobby, craft, and instructional books
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Cookbooks and travel guides
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Technical or professional manuals
Funding Scope and Financial Conditions
The grant may cover:
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Translation costs only, or
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Translation costs plus limited production support
Key financial conditions include:
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The requested amount must match the translator fee stated in the signed contract
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The full translator fee must be paid regardless of the granted amount
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Reimbursement is processed only after proof of full payment to the translator
Production support is capped at SEK 20,000 and applies only to high-cost formats such as:
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Illustrated books
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Poetry collections
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Comics and graphic novels
Copyright and licensing costs are not eligible.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants are:
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Professional publishing houses
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Publishers with documented experience in quality literary publishing
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Publishers with established professional distribution channels
The following parties are not eligible to apply:
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Individual translators
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Authors
Priority Considerations
Priority is given to:
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Contemporary Swedish authors
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Works being translated into languages with limited prior translations from Swedish
Classic literary works may also be supported if they meet quality and relevance criteria.
Why This Grant Matters
This grant plays a strategic role in promoting Swedish literature worldwide, supporting professional translators, and expanding access to diverse literary voices. It contributes to cultural diplomacy, linguistic diversity, and the long-term international presence of Swedish authors.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted and approved before printing or publication begins.
Application steps:
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Prepare one application per literary work
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Complete the online application form
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Attach signed contracts with the rights holder and translator
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Upload a copy of the original work
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Provide documentation of the translator’s previous translations from Swedish
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Submit the application online
Applications are accepted year-round.
Evaluation Process and Timeline
All applications are evaluated simultaneously three times per year by an external expert committee. Final funding decisions are made by the Director of the International Cooperation Division at the Swedish Arts Council.
Decisions are communicated to applicants by email.
Applications cannot be processed if the planned publication date is earlier than the decision date.
Post-Approval Requirements
Approved publishers must:
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Acknowledge the subsidy in the book’s colophon
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Submit copies of the published book
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Provide photographic proof of publication
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Confirm full payment to the translator
Failure to meet these requirements may affect reimbursement.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Printing or publishing the book before receiving a decision
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Submitting incomplete documentation
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Applying for ineligible costs such as copyright fees
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Submitting applications without signed contracts
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Underpaying the translator or failing to document full payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Can translators or authors apply directly?
No. Only professional publishing houses are eligible to apply.
Are applications accepted throughout the year?
Yes. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed three times annually.
Can production costs be included in the grant?
Yes, but only up to SEK 20,000 and only for particularly costly publications.
Are indirect translations allowed?
Only in exceptional cases and with formal approval due to the lack of qualified translators.
Are academic or educational books eligible?
No. Academic, reference, and instructional works are excluded.
How are decisions communicated?
Funding decisions are communicated by email after the evaluation process.
Is proof of translator payment required?
Yes. Reimbursement is processed only after confirmation of full payment to the translator.
Conclusion
The Swedish Arts Council Translation Grant for non-Nordic languages is a key funding opportunity for publishers seeking to introduce Swedish literature to global audiences. By prioritizing quality, professional standards, and direct translation, the programme ensures that Swedish literary works achieve lasting international impact.
For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.
