Grant Program for the Translation of Swedish Plays

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Swedish Arts Council offers funding to support the translation of Swedish original theatre plays into other languages for stage performances abroad. The grant is intended to strengthen the international presence of Swedish theatre by helping theatres and production companies cover the costs of translating eligible Swedish plays for performances outside Sweden. The funding is specifically intended for translation costs. The amount requested must correspond to the translation fee agreed upon in a signed contract between the applicant and the translator. The programme does not provide funding for adaptation or production expenses. Purpose of the Grant The main purpose of the grant is to make Swedish theatre more accessible to international audiences by supporting professional translations of Swedish original plays. Through the programme, the Swedish Arts Council aims to: - Increase the international stage presence of Swedish theatre. - Support the translation of Swedish plays into other languages. - Enable theatres and production companies abroad to stage Swedish dramatic works. - Reduce the financial barrier associated with professional theatre translation. - Promote Swedish drama internationally. What Does the Grant Fund? The grant is specifically designed to cover the cost of translating an eligible Swedish theatre play. The amount applied for must match the fee specified in the signed contract between the applicant and the translator. The funding therefore relates directly to the agreed translation service.

The grant does not cover:

- Adaptation expenses. - Theatre production costs. - Other staging or performance expenses. Applicants should therefore ensure that their requested amount is based specifically on the translator’s contracted fee. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants are directors or producers of theatres or production companies responsible for staging the translated play. The applicant should therefore have responsibility for bringing the translated work to the stage rather than simply seeking funding for a translation without a planned performance. What Types of Plays Are Eligible? The programme supports eligible drama works that meet the language and publication or performance requirements.

Eligible works include:

- Drama originally written in Swedish. - Drama originally written in any of Sweden’s national minority languages. - Works that were originally published in Sweden. - Works that were originally performed in Sweden. The purpose is to support the international performance of Swedish original theatre rather than adaptations of works that originated in another language. Translation Requirements An important requirement is that the translation should normally be made directly from Swedish or from one of Sweden’s national minority languages. This ensures that the translated version is based on the original-language dramatic work. There is an exception when no professional translators are available for the target language. In such circumstances, a translation may be made through another language, but written approval from the rightsholder is required. Applicants should therefore establish the availability of a qualified professional translator before proceeding and make sure that any exception is properly authorized. Translator Contract and Reimbursement The requested grant amount must correspond to the fee specified in the signed contract between the applicant and the translator. A further requirement applies before reimbursement is processed. The translator must confirm that they have received the full agreed fee. This means applicants should maintain clear documentation relating to: - The signed contract with the translator. - The agreed translation fee. - Confirmation of payment. - Confirmation from the translator that the full fee has been received. Keeping these records organized can help demonstrate that the grant has been used for its intended purpose. What Is Not Covered? The funding is narrowly focused on translation and should not be treated as general theatre production funding.

The grant does not cover:

- Adaptation of the original play. - Production expenses. - Other costs associated with staging the performance. - Expenses outside the contracted translation fee. Applicants should separate translation costs from all other costs associated with producing the play abroad. International Stage Performance A central element of the programme is the intention to bring Swedish theatre to audiences outside Sweden. The translation should therefore support the staging of the eligible play in another language for performance abroad. The programme connects the translation process directly with the international presentation of Swedish dramatic works. For theatres and production companies, this can provide an opportunity to introduce Swedish playwrights and dramatic works to new audiences and international theatre communities. Importance of Professional Translation Professional translation is particularly important for theatre because a dramatic text must work not only as written literature but also as material for performance. Applicants should therefore ensure that the translator has the appropriate professional expertise for the target language and theatrical context. Where a direct translation from Swedish or a Swedish national minority language is possible, that route should normally be followed. If no professional translator is available for the target language, applicants should secure the required written approval from the rightsholder before relying on the alternative translation arrangement. How to Prepare an Application Applicants should carefully prepare documentation demonstrating that the proposed translation meets the programme requirements.

Important preparation steps include:

- Identify an eligible play Confirm that the work is an original drama written in Swedish or one of Sweden’s national minority languages and that it was orig