RFPs: Grants for Translators of Swedish Literature

The Swedish Arts Council (Kulturrådet) invites professional translators of Swedish literature and drama to apply for its Swedish Literature Grant Programme. The grants support international exchange, skill development, mentorships, and sample translations, helping translators improve the quality and reach of Swedish literary works worldwide.

Overview of the Programme

The Swedish Literature Grant Programme promotes international collaboration and skill improvement for translators working with Swedish literature and drama. By funding translation-related activities, the programme strengthens the global presence of Swedish literary and cultural works.

Purpose of the Grant

• Enhance the quality of translations of Swedish literature and drama

• Foster international exchange between translators and literary communities

• Support mentorships, workshops, and professional development activities

• Enable sample translations for publishers and theatres to evaluate works for full translation or performance

Eligible Applicants

• Professional translators translating from Swedish into other languages

• Translators must be working on literary or dramatic works, including works in Swedish or Swedish national minority languages

• Applicants cannot be:

  • Translators working into Swedish

  • Organizations, publishers, or networks

Eligible Activities

Grants can cover costs associated with:

• Sample translations for publishers or theatres

• Mentorship collaborations between established and emerging translators

• Participation in literary festivals, seminars, fairs, workshops, and conferences

• Travel and accommodation directly linked to translation projects

• Course or conference fees related to skill development

Exclusions:

• Textbooks, scholarly works, reference books, study materials, cookbooks, yearbooks, hobby books, exhibition catalogues, craft books, handbooks, travel guides, Festschrifts, homage volumes, or sheet music

• Projects already contracted or activities already completed

Funding Details

• Grants for sample translations or mentorships: up to SEK 12,000

• Other activities funded based on actual project costs

• Allowable expenses include travel, accommodation, fees for courses/conferences, and mentorship fees

Application Process

1. Submit applications through the Swedish Arts Council online portal

2. Ensure submissions are complete and on time for the relevant assessment round

3. Include required attachments:

   • Current CV listing published translations from Swedish

   • Sample translation projects: rights holder’s certificate

   • Mentorship projects: jointly signed project plan and motivation letter

4. Applications are reviewed by expert senior advisors, evaluated collectively, and funding proposals are approved by the Department Head for Literature and Libraries

5. Conflicts of interest are formally managed to maintain transparency

Assessment Rounds

• There are four assessment rounds per year

• Late or incomplete applications may be considered in the next round if deadlines permit

Why It Matters

• Supports high-quality translations of Swedish literature globally

• Encourages international collaboration and knowledge exchange

• Provides emerging translators with mentorship and professional development

• Ensures Swedish literary works reach broader audiences and cultural impact

Tips for a Strong Application

• Submit a complete application before the deadline

• Clearly outline the scope and purpose of your translation or mentorship project

• Include all required supporting documents, including CV and project plans

• Emphasize the literary or dramatic nature of the work

• Ensure your translation work is directly from Swedish or a Swedish minority language

FAQ

1. Who can apply for this grant?
Professional translators working from Swedish into other languages in the fields of literature and drama.

2. What activities are funded?
Sample translations, mentorships, international festivals, workshops, seminars, travel, accommodation, and related professional development costs.

3. Are translations into Swedish eligible?
No, the grant only supports translations from Swedish into other languages.

4. What is the maximum funding amount?
Up to SEK 12,000 for sample translations or mentorship projects; other activities are funded based on actual project costs.

5. How do I submit an application?
Through the Swedish Arts Council online portal before the relevant assessment round deadline.

6. What supporting documents are required?
CV with published translations, rights holder certificate for sample translations, and a project plan/motivation letter for mentorship projects.

7. Can I apply for work already contracted or completed?
No, the programme does not fund previously contracted translations or completed activities.

Conclusion

The Swedish Literature Grant Programme by Kulturrådet is a key opportunity for translators to enhance their skills, engage internationally, and promote Swedish literary works globally. By funding mentorships, sample translations, and professional development activities, the programme strengthens both the translator’s career and the international visibility of Swedish literature.