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Open Call: Grants for Translators of Swedish Literature

Deadline: 02-Apr-2026

The Swedish Arts Council offers grants to professional translators of Swedish literature and drama to promote international exchange, mentorship, and high-quality translations. Funding supports activities like sample translations, conferences, workshops, and mentorships, with grants up to SEK 12,000 for small projects and larger funding based on actual costs. Applicants must translate directly from Swedish or Sweden’s national minority languages, and works must be published in Sweden.

Overview of the Grant

The grant aims to:

  • Promote high-quality translation of Swedish literature and drama

  • Encourage international dissemination of Swedish works

  • Support professional development and mentorship for translators

  • Enable sample translations that help publishers or theatres acquire translation rights

Eligible activities include:

  • Participation in festivals, conferences, seminars, fairs, or workshops related to translation projects

  • Mentorship collaborations between an established translator and a mentee

  • Sample translations intended for publisher or theatre consideration

Who is Eligible?

  • Professional translators translating Swedish literature or drama into other languages

  • Applicants must translate directly from Swedish or a Swedish national minority language

  • Works must be published in Sweden

  • Not eligible:

    • Translators into Swedish from other languages

    • Organisations, publishers, or networks

    • Translations of textbooks, academic/reference works, hobby/instructional books, cookbooks, travel guides, or exhibition catalogues

    • Sample translations already under contract

    • Activities, travel, or events that have already taken place

Funding Details

  • Sample translations and mentorship projects: Up to SEK 12,000

  • Other activities: Funding based on actual costs and available funds

  • Eligible costs include:

    • Travel and accommodation

    • Conference or course fees

    • Mentoring fees

    • Production of sample translation material suitable for publishers or theatres

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Prepare Application – Include CV with list of published translations, project plan, rights certificates (if applicable), and motivation letters for mentorship or sample translation projects

  2. Submit Online – Use the Swedish Arts Council’s designated portal

  3. Assessment Deadlines – Applications can be submitted year-round with four annual assessment deadlines

  4. Evaluation – Assessed by expert senior advisors for relevance, professional development, translation quality, and project significance

  5. Decision Notification – Typically around five weeks after deadline, communicated via email

  6. Grant Payment – Paid to the bank account specified in the application; subject to general and special terms

  7. Project Updates – Any delays or changes must be communicated to the Swedish Arts Council promptly

Why It Matters

This grant strengthens the global reach of Swedish literature and drama, while supporting translators’ professional growth and fostering international collaboration. By funding mentorships, sample translations, and skill-building activities, the program contributes to a vibrant, high-quality translation ecosystem.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Do not apply for projects already contracted or completed

  • Ensure works are published in Sweden and translated directly from Swedish or a national minority language

  • Include a complete CV and documentation for sample translations or mentorships

  • Clearly demonstrate professional development value and project relevance

  • Submit applications well in advance of planned activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Professional translators translating Swedish literature or drama into other languages.
2. What activities are eligible? Sample translations, mentorships, conferences, workshops, festivals, seminars, and fairs linked to translation projects.
3. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to SEK 12,000 for sample translations and mentorships; other activities funded based on actual costs.
4. Can organizations or publishers apply? No, only individual professional translators are eligible.
5. Are already contracted translations eligible? No, sample translations under contract cannot be funded.
6. How are applications assessed? By expert senior advisors focusing on relevance, translation quality, professional development, and significance.
7. When will decisions be communicated? About five weeks after each assessment deadline.

Conclusion

The Swedish Arts Council Translation Grant supports translators in promoting Swedish literature and drama globally. By funding sample translations, mentorships, and international exchange activities, the grant strengthens translation quality, professional development, and the international visibility of Swedish works.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.