Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Latvian Literature Translation Support Grant Program, administered by Latvian Literature and financed by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, provides financial support to foreign publishers for translating and publishing Latvian literary works internationally. The program aims to increase global interest in Latvian literature by supporting new translations across multiple genres and encouraging foreign publishers to introduce Latvian authors to wider audiences in different languages.
Program Overview
The initiative is designed to:
- Promote Latvian literature internationally
- Support foreign publishers in producing new translations
- Strengthen cultural exchange through literary publishing
- Increase visibility of Latvian authors and cultural heritage
Supported Literary Genres
The grant supports publication of:
- Prose and novels
- Poetry
- Drama and theatre works
- Non-fiction (essays, memoirs, journalism)
- Children’s and young adult literature
- Comics and graphic novels
- Classic Latvian literature
- Culturally or historically significant works related to Latvia
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: up to €2,000 per project
- Possible higher funding: in exceptional artistic cases
- Funding authority: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
Eligible costs:
- Copyright or licensing fees
- Printing costs
Not eligible:
- Shipping costs
- Print-on-demand services
- eBooks
- Reprints or additional print runs
- Costs already covered by other public funding
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be foreign publishing houses (legal entities)
- Have prior experience working with foreign authors
- Submit applications in English
- Publish only new, previously unpublished translations
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- Completed application form with budget in euros
- Translation excerpt with original text
- Translator’s CV
- Copyright/licensing agreement
- Translator contract
- Publisher catalogue or publication list (last 2 years) or website link
- Scanned signed documents
Application Process
- Select Latvian literary work for translation
- Secure translation and copyright permissions
- Prepare translation sample and documentation
- Complete application form and budget
- Submit via Latvian Literature platform
- Evaluation by expert committee
- Funding decision and publication phase
Key Restrictions
- Only new translations are eligible
- No eBooks or digital-only publications
- No reprints or re-publications
- Cannot be combined with other public funding sources
- Shipping and distribution costs are excluded
Purpose and Impact
The program aims to:
- Expand international readership of Latvian literature
- Strengthen global publishing partnerships
- Support literary translation and cultural exchange
- Promote Latvia’s cultural identity worldwide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Foreign publishers registered as legal entities with experience in publishing international authors.
2. What works are eligible?
Previously unpublished translations of Latvian literary works across supported genres.
3. What is the funding limit?
Up to €2,000 per project, with possible higher support in exceptional cases.
4. Are digital books supported?
No, eBooks are not eligible under this program.
5. Can previously published translations be funded?
No, only new translations are supported.
6. What expenses are covered?
Primarily copyright/licensing and printing costs.
7. Where is the application submitted?
Applications must be submitted through the Latvian Literature website in English.
Conclusion
The Latvian Literature Translation Support Grant Program enables foreign publishers to bring Latvian literary works to international audiences by funding new translations and supporting cross-cultural literary exchange.
For more information, visit Latvian Literature.