Funding Available for Translators of Swedish Literature

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

The Swedish Arts Council offers funding to professional translators of Swedish literature and drama to support international exchange, professional development, mentoring, and sample translations. Grants can cover travel, accommodation, event or course fees, mentoring, and sample translation costs, helping translators strengthen their skills and promote Swedish literature internationally.

Swedish Arts Council Translator Grants: Overview

The funding programme supports professional translators who translate Swedish literature and drama into other languages. Its main purpose is to encourage international cultural exchange, improve translation skills, and create opportunities for Swedish literary and dramatic works to reach publishers, theatres, and audiences in other countries. The programme can support both professional development activities and specific translation-related projects. What Does the Grant Support? Eligible funding can be used for activities directly connected to translating Swedish literature or drama.

Supported expenses may include:

Travel and accommodation costs. Conference, festival, seminar, fair, and workshop fees. Costs associated with producing sample translations. Travel undertaken specifically for professional translation activities. The programme can therefore support translators who want to expand their professional networks, improve their translation skills, explore new Swedish works, or present sample translations to potential publishers and theatres. Funding Amount The amount of funding depends on the type of project. Sample translation and mentorship projects: Up to SEK 12,000, approximately US$1,100.

Other eligible projects: Grants may cover the actual eligible costs associated with the approved activity.

Applicants should ensure that their proposed expenses are clearly connected to the purpose of the project and supported by appropriate documentation. Eligible Activities The Swedish Arts Council may support several types of professional activities. Other relevant international literary or translation activities. These activities should contribute to the applicant’s professional development or international exchange related to Swedish literature and drama. Mentorship Projects Experienced translators may work with less experienced translators through structured mentorship arrangements. Mentorship activities should have a clear learning purpose and demonstrate how the collaboration will strengthen the mentee’s translation skills and professional development. Sample Translations Funding may also be used to prepare sample translations of Swedish literary or dramatic works. These samples should be intended for consideration by: Publishers. Theatres. Other relevant literary or performing arts organisations. The purpose is to help introduce Swedish works to potential international publishing or performance markets. Who Is Eligible? The grant is specifically intended for professional translators of Swedish literature and drama into other languages. Applicants must meet the programme’s professional and project-related requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Professional translators working from Swedish into another language. Translators working with Swedish literature. Translators working with Swedish drama. Translators undertaking eligible international exchange activities. Translators developing sample translations. Translators participating in eligible mentorship projects. Who Is Not Eligible? Several categories are specifically excluded.

The programme does not support:

Translators working from other languages into Swedish. Organisations. Publishers. Translation networks. Other applicants that are not individual professional translators. Applicants should therefore confirm that they are applying as an eligible translator rather than through an organisation or publishing entity. Eligible Swedish Works The proposed project must relate to works that meet the programme’s requirements. Identify the costs associated with the activity, such as: Travel. Accommodation. Registration or course fees. Mentoring fees. Sample translation expenses. Make sure the requested funding corresponds directly to eligible project costs.

Step 4: Collect Supporting Documents

Prepare the required CV and any additional documentation relevant to the project. For sample translations, obtain the required rights-holder certificate and identify potential publishers or theatres. For mentorship projects, ensure that both participants provide their CVs and that the project plan is jointly signed.

Step 5: Submit the Application

Complete and submit the application with all required information and supporting documents before the applicable deadline. Applicants should avoid submitting incomplete materials because missing information can affect processing of the application. Common Mistakes to Avoid Applicants can strengthen their applications by avoiding common eligibility and documentation problems.

Applying as an organisation: The programme is intended for professional individual translators.

Translating into Swedish: The eligible direction is from Swedish into another language.

Using an indirect translation: The proposed work should be translated directly from Swedish or the relevant original national minority language.

Choosing an excluded publication type: Textbooks, scholarly works, reference books, and hobby books are not eligible.

Proposing a contracted translation: Translations already under contract for publication are excluded.

Submitting an incomplete CV: Include a clear list of published translations from Swedish.

Missing project-specific documents: Sample translation and mentorship projects have additional documentation requirements.

Submitting late: Late or incomplete applications may be moved to the next application round if the project schedule allows.

Why This Grant Matters International translation plays an important role in making Swedish literature and drama