Grants and Prizes for Promoting Italian Books and Translations (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Mar-2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation offers prizes and grants to promote Italian language and culture abroad through literary translations, scientific works, and audiovisual productions. Each prize is valued at €5,000, targeting high-quality translations, publications, dubbing, or subtitling of works created or published since January 2025. Eligible applicants include publishers, translators, production companies, and cultural institutions, with applications due by 31 March 2026.

Overview

This initiative aims to strengthen the global dissemination of Italian culture by supporting:

• Translation and publication of Italian literary and scientific works into foreign languages

• Production, dubbing, and subtitling of Italian short and feature films, as well as television series

• Promotion of contemporary Italian literature and audiovisual content

• Expansion of cultural exchange and international reach

The program ensures that both literary and audiovisual works maintain high-quality standards and reach wider international audiences.

Prize Details

• Maximum number of prizes for 2026: 10

• Prize value: €5,000 each

• Language distribution:

  • Spanish: 5 prizes

  • Arabic: 1 prize

  • Chinese: 1 prize

  • French: 1 prize

  • English: 1 prize

  • German: 1 prize

Eligible Works

• Literary and scientific works (including e-books) translated and published in a foreign language on or after 1 January 2025

• Audiovisual productions (short/feature films, TV series) produced, dubbed, or subtitled on or after 1 January 2025

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Publishers and publishing houses

• Translators and translation agencies

• Production and distribution companies

• Dubbing and subtitling companies

• Literary agents or agencies

• Cultural institutions, both in Italy and abroad

Beneficiary Requirements:

• The applicant must be the entity acquiring or holding the rights to publish or produce the work in a foreign language.

How to Apply

Submission Guidelines

1. Application Deadline: 31 March 2026

2. Submission Location:

   • To the Italian Embassy in the country where the work will be distributed

   • Via the competent Italian Cultural Institute when available

   • For works distributed in multiple countries, submit through the Institute or Embassy covering the widest distribution area

Required Documents

• Official application form

• Short proposal including publication/production timeline and dissemination channels

• Curriculum vitae of the translator or audiovisual translator

• Signed translation/adaptation contract

• Financial plan in euros with project and unit costs

• Proof of copyright acquisition or letter of intent from the rights holder

• Supporting materials: Cover pages of the Italian book or digital link to audiovisual work

Why It Matters

• Promotes Italian language and literature internationally

• Supports cultural exchange and dissemination of contemporary Italian arts

• Encourages high-quality translation and audiovisual production

• Provides financial backing to amplify reach and visibility of Italian works

Tips for a Strong Application

• Ensure the work meets the date eligibility (published/produced after 1 January 2025)

• Provide clear dissemination plans and target audience information

• Include full copyright documentation or letters of intent

• Submit complete and accurate financial details

• Highlight quality and cultural significance of the work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the submission deadline of 31 March 2026

• Submitting incomplete supporting documents

• Applying for works published or produced before January 2025

• Failing to identify the correct beneficiary entity

• Ignoring language-specific prize allocations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of works are eligible for the prize?

Italian literary, scientific, and audiovisual works translated, published, produced, dubbed, or subtitled after 1 January 2025.

2. How much is each prize worth?

Each prize is €5,000, with up to 10 prizes awarded in 2026.

3. Who can apply for the grant?

Publishers, translators, production and distribution companies, dubbing/subtitling companies, literary agents, and cultural institutions in Italy or abroad.

4. Where should applications be submitted?

Applications are submitted to the Italian Embassy in the target country or via the Italian Cultural Institute, depending on the location of distribution.

5. Can one submit works in multiple languages?

Yes. Prizes are allocated per language category, and submissions should follow the corresponding language allocation.

6. What documents are required for submission?

Applicants must provide:

• Official application form

• Proposal and timeline

• CV of translator or audiovisual translator

• Translation/adaptation contract

• Financial plan

• Proof of copyright or letter of intent

• Supporting materials (book cover pages or audiovisual link)

7. Can the prize support e-books or digital audiovisual content?

Yes. E-books and digital audiovisual works are eligible if they meet the production and translation timeline requirements.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prizes and Grants program is a unique opportunity to promote Italian language and culture worldwide. By supporting translations, publications, and audiovisual productions, the initiative enhances cultural exchange, visibility, and quality dissemination of Italian works, fostering global engagement and appreciation of Italian arts and sciences.

For more information, visit Italian Embassy in Wellington.