All possible measures applied to mitigate impact of the pandemic on Icelandic book culture
Measures include extra grant allocations in May, grants for participation in online events instead of travel to events abroad, an initiative in translations from Icelandic into other languages, and collaboration between the Icelandic Literature Center and many bodies and institutions to promote Icelandic literature and Icelandic authors.
In order to mitigate the impact of the Covid pandemic on Icelandic book culture, authors, publishers and translators, the Icelandic Literature Center has introduced a range of measures since March 2020.
Special allocations due to government initiative
Firstly, in May 2020 the Icelandic Literature Center made special allocations, enabled by a government initiative in response to the coronavirus pandemic. A total of 257 grant applications were received from about 200 applicants, and ISK 36 million were allocated to 45 projects in various categories. Grants were made to projects including writing of various kinds, publishing, translations, podcasts, literary events, websites, audio books, writing workshops, courses, etc.
Travel grants for online events
In addition, changes have been made to travel grants for authors, at this time when travel has largely halted and many book fairs have been cancelled: authors and organisers of events abroad are now eligible for grants for participation in online events – many of which have taken place in recent months, and more are ahead. This arrangement will be regularly reviewed to keep up with developments.
Higher Nordic grants this year
In collaboration with the Icelandic Literature Center’s sister bodies in the other Nordic countries, a special initiative in translations into other languages was launched in the spring of 2020. Grants were temporarily raised to cover a higher proportion of translation costs. This has led to a huge increase in numbers of applications for translation grants, and that is promising news for publication of Icelandic and other Nordic books in other languages in the near future.
Higher funding to Auður children’s book fund
Grants are now allocated for the second time from the Auður fund, which exists to support publication of high-quality books written in Icelandic for children and young readers. On this occasion 32 projects received grants totalling ISK 10 million – a considerable increase from 2019, when ISK 7 million were allocated to 20 projects.
Videos and authors’ website
Videos are in preparation about Icelandic authors and literature in several languages. A special authors’ website is also planned. This will be further publicised before long, along with other material useful in promoting Icelandic authors and their work abroad.
Translators’ website
Also worth mentioning is the Icelandic Literature Center’s translators’ website, which provides useful information about translators from Icelandic into other languages. This has proved a useful tool for publishers seeking translators for books they wish to publish in their own languages.
Fruitful collaboration
The Icelandic Literature Center is in collaboration with Promote Iceland and with Icelandic embassies abroad to draw attention to Icelandic authors and their work around the world. Several exciting events are already being planned by a number of embassies, and these will be further publicised in the near future.