New approaches in grant allocations in the current situation. Applications deadline 15 September!

10. September, 2020

Special initiative in translation grants from Icelandic into other languages, and travel grants now also available for participation in online events and festivals.

A response to changed conditions

Now, when so much has changed, travel has largely halted, and book fairs have been cancelled or moved online, a response is needed, to find new ways to promote Icelandic literature and authors internationally.

Among the measures introduced by the Icelandic Literature Center in order to mitigate the impact of the global pandemic on Icelandic book culture – writers, publishers and translators – are new approaches in the allocation of grants for translations and travel.

Higher translation grants this year

In collaboration with the Icelandic Literature Center's sister organizations in the other Nordic countries, a special initiative in translations into other languages was launched in the spring of 2020. Grants have temporarily been raised to cover a higher proportion of translation costs. This has led to a huge increase in numbers of applications for grants for translations into other languages, and that is promising news for publication of Icelandic and other Nordic books in other languages in the near future. Read more here about the initiative, and all about grant applications. Only non-Icelandic publishers can apply. The deadline for applications is 15 September.

Travel grants also for online events

We have also changed allocation rules for travel grants for authors: organisers of events abroad and Icelandic authors can now apply for grants for participation in online events. A number of such events have taken place recently, and more are scheduled. This arrangement will be regularly reviewed to keep up with developments. The deadline for applications for travel grants is 15 September.


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