National Endowment for the Arts Translation Projects
Through fellowships to published translators, the National Endowment for the Arts supports projects for the translation of specific works of prose, poetry, or drama from other languages into English. The work to be translated should be of interest for its literary excellence and merit. We encourage translations of writers and of work that are not well represented in English, as well as work that has not previously been translated into English. The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering mutual support for the diverse beliefs and values of all individuals and groups.
Competition for fellowships is rigorous. Potential applicants should consider carefully whether their work will be competitive at the national level.
Up to two years
Our support for a project may begin any time between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
Applicants will receive notification of awards and rejections no sooner than December 2023.
Up to $25,000
Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
You are eligible to apply if you, alone or in collaboration, have:
- Published a total of at least 20 pages of translations of creative literature into English in curated digital or print formats such as literary magazines, anthologies, or books; or
- Published a translation into English of a novel or a volume of at least 20 pages of fiction, poetry, drama, or belles-lettres (creative nonfiction, criticism, and essays); or
- Had published, presented, or produced by a professional theater company at least one full-length play that you translated into English.
You may not apply:
- If you have received three or more Fellowships (in poetry, prose, or for translation) from the NEA.
- If you have received any NEA Creative Writing Literature Fellowship (in prose or poetry) on or after January 1, 2018 or any NEA Translation Fellowship on or after January 1, 2020.
- With the same project for more than three consecutive years.
The following content may not be used to establish eligibility:
- Pre-publication material, such as galleys, proofs, and advance reader’s copies.
- Work that has appeared in a publication for which you are the editor, publisher, or staff.
- Scholarly writing.
- Instructional writing.
- News reporting.
- Book reviews.
- Editorials/letters to the editor.
- Interviews.
Eligibility is determined by the NEA based on your complete and properly submitted documentation. Your application may not be eligible for panel review if incorrect or insufficient information is provided.