RFAs: Supporting International Exchange in Swedish Literature and Drama

Deadline: 23-Apr-2026

The Swedish Arts Council International Dissemination Grant supports organisations that promote high-quality Swedish literature and drama abroad and strengthen international literary exchange. Funding is flexible, project-based, and available year-round for eligible legal entities, with decisions made four times annually.

The Swedish Arts Council International Dissemination Grant is designed to promote high-quality Swedish literature and Swedish drama internationally while encouraging professional exchange across borders.

The funding supports projects, events, and initiatives that raise global awareness of Swedish literary works and foster long-term international collaboration in the literary and dramatic arts sector.

What Is This Grant About?

This grant focuses on the international promotion and dissemination of Swedish literature and drama. It supports activities that help Swedish literary works reach new audiences and create meaningful professional exchange between Sweden and the international literary community.

The scheme is aimed at organisations, not individuals, and prioritises professional, well-structured projects with clear international impact.

What Activities Are Supported?

Funding may be used for a wide range of international dissemination and exchange activities, including:

• Literary events, festivals, readings, and performances abroad

• International exchanges between Swedish and non-Swedish literary professionals

• Promotion of Swedish drama in international contexts

• Information and marketing campaigns that promote Swedish literature internationally

The grant is flexible and adapts to the scope and scale of each approved project.

Eligible Costs

The grant can cover costs directly connected to the approved project or event, such as:

• Travel and accommodation

• Participation or speaker fees

• Marketing and communication costs

• Project-related administrative expenses

• Translation costs related to events or promotion

The grant amount is not fixed and is determined based on the project scope and available funding.

What Is Not Funded?

Certain activities are explicitly excluded from this funding scheme.

The grant cannot be used for:

• Translation of licensed editions of Swedish literary works

• Licensed performances of complete dramatic works

• Projects or events that take place before the relevant application deadline

Translations and licensed performances are supported under a separate Swedish Arts Council grant scheme for translation of Swedish literature and drama.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible Applicants (Legal Persons Only)

Applications are open exclusively to legal persons that organise or conduct professional literary activities, including:

• Publishers

• Literary festivals

• Cultural institutions

• Embassies

• Associations and foundations

• Other professional organisations in the literary or dramatic field

A legal person is an entity with its own legal capacity, meaning it can enter contracts, own assets, and assume obligations.

Ineligible Applicants

• Individual authors, translators, or artists

• Natural persons without legal entity status

Why This Grant Matters

This funding scheme plays a key role in:

• Expanding the international reach of Swedish literature and drama

• Supporting cultural diplomacy and global literary dialogue

• Strengthening professional networks between Sweden and other countries

• Increasing visibility for Swedish cultural production worldwide

By supporting dissemination rather than production, the grant helps ensure that high-quality Swedish works reach diverse international audiences.

How the Application Process Works

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Prepare a detailed project plan with clear aims and international relevance

2. Create a project budget specifying exact costs for which funding is requested

3. Submit the application via the Swedish Arts Council’s online portal

4. Ensure all required documents are included before the deadline

5. Await assessment and decision for the relevant application round

Application Timeline and Decision Process

Applications can be submitted throughout the year, but funding decisions are made four times annually based on fixed deadlines.

All eligible applications are:

• Reviewed by senior advisors at the Swedish Arts Council

• Assessed individually and in comparison with other submissions

The Director of International Cooperation makes the final funding decision.

Applicants are usually notified by email approximately six weeks after the deadline.

There is no appeal process for funding decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying as an individual instead of a legal entity

• Submitting an incomplete application or missing documents

• Failing to specify exact budget items

• Applying for projects that have already taken place

• Requesting funding for translations covered by a separate grant scheme

Grant Management and Reporting Requirements

If a grant is awarded:

• Funds are paid to the bank account of the legal entity named in the application

• The project must be implemented according to the approved plan and conditions

If delays or changes occur:

• The grant recipient must inform the Swedish Arts Council immediately

• Extensions are granted only after formal approval

All recipients must submit a final report using the designated reporting form by the deadline stated in the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can individuals apply for this grant?

No. Only legal persons such as organisations, publishers, and institutions are eligible.

2. Is there a fixed grant amount?

No. The grant size varies depending on project scope and available funding.

3. Can I apply if my project has already started?

No. Projects or events that take place before the application deadline are not eligible.

4. Are translation costs eligible?

Yes, but only for event-related or promotional translations. Licensed translations are funded under a separate scheme.

5. How often are funding decisions made?

Decisions are made four times per year, even though applications are accepted year-round.

6. How long does it take to receive a decision?

Applicants are usually notified around six weeks after the relevant deadline.

7. What happens if my project is delayed?

You must inform the Swedish Arts Council promptly. They will decide whether an extension can be approved.

Conclusion

The Swedish Arts Council International Dissemination Grant offers strategic, flexible support for organisations promoting Swedish literature and drama on the global stage. With year-round applications, broad eligible activities, and a strong focus on international exchange, the program is a key opportunity for professional entities seeking to expand the international impact of Swedish literary and dramatic works.

For more information, visit Swedish Arts Council.