Open Call: Grants for International Promotion of Swedish Literature and Drama

Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

The Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) is inviting applications from organisations to promote the international dissemination of high-quality Swedish literature and drama. The grant supports projects that facilitate international exchanges, cultural events, and promotional activities, prioritising contemporary works and new authors across different countries and languages.

Overview

The grant aims to increase global awareness and accessibility of Swedish literature and drama. By funding project-related activities, it strengthens international collaboration, supports diverse authorship, and ensures fair compensation for all participants involved in professional literary initiatives.

Purpose and Objectives

• Promote high-quality Swedish literature and drama internationally

• Facilitate international exchange among authors, publishers, and cultural organisations

• Support project-related costs and information campaigns

• Prioritise contemporary works and authors new to specific countries

• Encourage fair compensation for participants

• Ensure dissemination of diverse literary and dramatic works across genres, languages, and authors

Eligible Applicants

• Legal entities conducting professional literary activities, including:

  • Publishers

  • Festivals and fairs

  • Embassies

  • Associations or similar organisations

• Natural persons are not eligible

Eligible Activities and Costs

• Promotion of Swedish literature and drama internationally

• Organising literary events, festivals, workshops, and seminars abroad

• Conducting information campaigns and publicity initiatives

• Travel, accommodation, and fees linked to professional literary activities

• Project budgets must clearly specify requested expenses

Exclusions:

• Projects taking place before the application deadline

• Translation of licensed editions or performances of whole dramatic works (these must apply to the translation-specific grant)

Application Process

1. Submit applications online through the Swedish Arts Council portal before the round deadline

2. Ensure all project information, budgets, and supporting materials are complete

3. Applications are assessed by senior advisors based on:

   • Project purpose and objectives

   • Implementation plan and feasibility

   • Professionalism and previous project experience of the organisation

   • Financial need and share of project costs requested

4. Decisions are made by the Director of the International Cooperation Division and communicated via email within six weeks after the deadline

5. Applications are accepted year-round but assessed quarterly

Assessment Criteria

• Alignment with the grant’s purpose and objectives

• Strength and clarity of the implementation plan

• Professional track record of the applicant organisation

• Financial planning and justification of requested support

• Contribution to diverse and contemporary Swedish literature dissemination

Key Priorities

• Focus on new authors and contemporary works

• Promote cultural exchange and international cooperation

• Ensure equitable participation and fair compensation

• Foster long-term international engagement with Swedish literature and drama

Tips for Applicants

• Submit complete applications with clear budgets before deadlines

• Emphasise how your project supports international dissemination

• Highlight new or underrepresented authors

• Ensure all activities comply with the grant’s purpose

• Avoid including activities or projects already completed or licensed translations/performances

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Legal entities such as publishers, festivals, embassies, associations, or organisations involved in professional literary activities.

2. Can individuals apply?
No, natural persons are not eligible for this grant.

3. What activities are funded?
Promotion, international events, workshops, seminars, information campaigns, and other project-related costs linked to the international dissemination of Swedish literature and drama.

4. Are translation projects eligible?
No, translations of licensed editions or whole dramatic works must apply to the translation-specific grant.

5. When are applications reviewed?
Applications are assessed quarterly even though submissions are accepted year-round.

6. Can a project that has already taken place be funded?
No, projects or events occurring before the application deadline are ineligible.

7. How are decisions communicated?
Decisions are final and sent via email by the Director of the International Cooperation Division within six weeks after the deadline.

Conclusion

The Swedish Literature and Drama International Promotion Grant is a key opportunity for organisations to expand the global reach of Swedish literary works, foster international cultural exchanges, and highlight diverse contemporary authors. By supporting events, campaigns, and collaborative projects abroad, this grant strengthens Sweden’s literary presence worldwide.

For more information, visit Kulturrådet.