Grants for international promotion of Swedish literature and drama

The Grants for International Promotion of Swedish Literature and Drama is a program administered by the Swedish Arts Council to support the dissemination of Swedish literature and dramatic works beyond national borders. This initiative aims to increase global awareness of Swedish literary culture and to facilitate meaningful international exchanges through public events, campaigns, and collaborative projects. Eligible applicants include legal persons who are engaged in professional literary activities. These may be publishers, associations, festivals, embassies, or other organizations legally registered in their respective countries. U.S.-based legal entities involved in such work are eligible to apply, provided their activities align with the grant's purpose of promoting Swedish literature and drama abroad. Individuals are not eligible; the program strictly requires institutional applicants with legal capacity. Funding may be requested to cover costs such as travel, accommodation, fees, marketing, translation, and other expenses related to the execution of events, presentations, or campaigns. However, funding is not available for the translation of licensed editions or performances of entire dramatic works; separate grants exist for those activities. All projects must occur after the grant round’s application deadline to be eligible. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed in quarterly cycles. The remaining application rounds for the current year close on January 22, April 23, August 20, October 29, and December 31, 2026. Submissions must be made online via the Swedish Arts Council's application service and must include a project description, aims, objectives, and a budget clearly indicating the expenses covered by the grant. Incomplete applications not fully updated by the deadline are deferred to the next round. Applications are assessed by a team of senior expert advisors and finalized by the Director of the international cooperation division. Evaluation considers the project’s alignment with the grant’s purpose, the applicant’s professionalism, prior project experience, financial need, and diversity contribution. The Council prioritizes the promotion of contemporary works, new authorship in untapped countries, and projects where artists are fairly compensated. Successful applicants must submit a final report through a dedicated reporting form by the deadline specified in their award decision. The report must outline the results and impact of the funded project. Extensions may be requested in advance if delays occur. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Felice Jackson at felice.jackson@artscouncil.se or +46 (0)8 519 265 09.

Ensure all budget items clearly align with grant-eligible costs (travel, translation, promotion); incomplete applications are deferred.