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Literary translation is eligible for funding under the Arts Council’s Grants for the Arts programme. Under the scheme, British publishers and translators can apply for funding to translate work from other languages into English. Usually it is the publisher who applies for a grant covering both translation and promotion. However, translators are also eligible to apply as individuals when appropriate.
We are particularly keen to encourage translation from languages and literatures currently under-represented in English. We are also keen to support projects that aim to bring international literature in English to a wide audience in interesting and innovative ways.
We are unable to support translations from English into other languages.
On the whole, priority is given to translation of contemporary fiction and poetry; literary non-fiction titles may also be eligible if they are exceptional in terms of literary or stylistic innovation.
The application should be made on the standard Grants for the Arts application form, together with a written proposal, following the guidelines available on the Arts Council website. Please note that Grants for the Arts is a competitive scheme, and the level of demand is extremely high. We recommend that publishers only apply once per year, if necessary for a grant covering up to two or three titles.
In the written proposal, the publisher or translator should explain the rationale for selecting the text or texts for translation, with information about the writer and the literary context. Publishers should explain how the titles contribute to their list. Any reader’s reports could also be included.
As artistic quality is an important criterion, we recommend that the application include a short sample of the translation, together with the corresponding text in the original. Please also include the translator’s CV.
We are keen that literary translators be paid at least the minimum rate recommended by the Translators’ Association. As evidence of this, the publisher could include a copy of the contract (or draft) between the publisher and the translator – usually based on the model recommended by the Translators’ Association.
Applicants should consult the general guidelines for Grants for the Arts available on the Arts Council website, including the section on filling in the budget. Please note that the Arts Council rarely funds 100% of the cost of a project through Grants for the Arts. The budget should therefore include at least 10% partnership funding. This could include any other translation grants, anticipated income from sales and in-kind support.
Another important criterion for assessment is public benefit, which in this case usually means the likelihood of the translation reaching readers. Translators would need to demonstrate strong and well thought out plans for publication and distribution of the title they are proposing to translate.
Publishers should include details of their plans for marketing, promotion and distribution once the titles are published. We are particularly interested in innovative, imaginative and effective ways of bringing contemporary international literature to a wider audience in the UK.
Publishers of translations supported by a grant from the Arts Council are requested to put the ACE funding mark on the back cover or jacket of supported titles.
For further details about Grants for the Arts, check the funding section of the website. As well as the application form and guidelines, it is advisable to take a look at the criteria for assessment, downloadable from the funding page.
Publishers are advised to contact the literature officer in their Arts Council England regional office for further information.
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