Who is eligible to apply?
Applications for subsidies for translations to non-Nordic languages may be filed by foreign publishers. In certain cases Swedish publishing houses that have drawn up a plan for distribution of a certain book abroad may also be eligible to apply. Any publishing house applying for a subsidy must have both well-documented experience of publishing quality literature as well as professional distribution channels. If the publishing house has not previously published Swedish literature in translation, the current publications catalogue is to be submitted with the application. Support for translation of Swedish literature to other Nordic languages is financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers through the Nordic Culture Point. There is a special application form for this support scheme which is administrated by the Arts Council. Application deadlines February 1, May 1 and November 1.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Neither translators nor authors may apply for translation subsidies through the Swedish Arts Council support scheme. However, translators may apply for funding for sample translations (see further information below).
What types of literature does the support scheme cover?
Applications for translation subsidies may be filed for books in the following areas:
- prose, poetry, drama, literature for children and young people:
- non-fiction in the area of general culture;
- essays;
- theme issues of journals and magazines including literature translated from Swedish.
Regarding applications for drama translation subsidies, a subsidy may be applied for on the condition that the play in question is either going to be published in book form or performed on stage.
Irrespective of genre, the work for which a subsidy is being applied must be of high quality in terms of both language and literary qualities.
What types of literature does the support scheme not cover?
Applications for support will not be considered for translation of:
- scholarly dissertations or research reports;
- text books, instruction manuals;
- reference books, handbooks, yearbooks;
- cookbooks, hobby literature, travel guides, etc.
- commercial literature with the potential to be widely circulated abroad without a state subsidy.
Applications can only be filed to cover translation costs, but not for production costs or to cover copyright matters.
What books will be given priority?
The objective of the support scheme is to raise the status of contemporary Swedish literature in translation. Priority will therefore be given to introduction of the work of Swedish authors into languages where there are no previous translations of that author's work. Particular consideration will be given to translations of literature for children and young people into languages where Swedish children's literature is presently poorly represented.
How is an application to be filed?
There is a special form on which to apply for translation subsidies. When the application is filed, the following material is to be enclosed:
- one copy of the contract between the publishing house filing the application and the rights holder
- one copy of the contract between the publishing house filing the application and the translator
- The translator's curriculum vitae if the translator has not previously translated Swedish literature published in the language in question
When can an application be filed?
These subsidies must be applied for before the book has been published, and are disbursed when the Swedish Arts Council has received four copies of the published translation and when the conditions given below have been fulfilled.
Application deadlines are 1 February, 2 May and 1 November.
Conditions for disbursement of a granted subsidy
Subsidies granted will be disbursed upon receipt of four copies of the published translation by The Swedish Arts Council, along with a written confirmation from the translator that (s)he has received remuneration according to the contract. Publishing houses outside Sweden may apply for grants from the Swedish Arts Council to invite authors of books being published by them in translation to attend the book launch. Subsidies granted are always to be acknowledged in the published translation with the following text, translated into the language in question: The cost of this translation was defrayed by a subsidy from the Swedish Arts Council, gratefully acknowledged.
Project grants
Swedish and foreign organizations may apply for project grants for literary events in support of Swedish literature to be held abroad. Applications must include a project description, a budget, and a statement of objectives and aims. Foreign publishers may also apply for funding from the Swedish Arts Council to invite Swedish authors to launches of their books in translation. Priority will be given to grants for Swedish authors whose work is being introduced in the country in question for the first time.