Applications Open for Translation Grants under a New Framework
Applications Open for Translation Grants under a New Framework
Applications are now open for translation grants from Performing Arts Centre Iceland. The application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 16:00.
The grant framework has been revised with the aim of making allocations clearer and better reflecting the scope of individual translation projects.
The translation grants support translations of plays and other text-based Icelandic-language performing arts works into other languages. Funding may also be requested for surtitling or subtitling Icelandic performing arts works for performances abroad.
The main change is that grant amounts are now based on the length of the Icelandic source text. The reference rate is ISK 3.75 per character, including spaces, up to a maximum of ISK 325,000 per project. The contracted cost of the translation is also taken into account, and a grant may never exceed the cost stated in the agreement with the translator.
It has also been clarified that a translation does not need to be linked to an already confirmed performance abroad. Applications may be made for translations intended to support international promotion, distribution and networking, provided there is a clear and realistic plan for how the translation will be used.
Translations open routes to new markets
Experience from the translation grant programme shows how a translation can become the first step in a longer international process. Authors who have received support in recent years include Birnir Jón Sigurðsson, Tyrfingur Tyrfingsson and Hrafnhildur Hagalín Guðmundsdóttir.
Lúna by Tyrfingur Tyrfingsson premiered in Finnish translation at Rakastajat Theatre in Pori in August 2026. Another of his plays, Seven Fairytales of Shame, had previously been staged at KOM Theatre in Helsinki. Helgi Comes Apart, which also received a translation grant from Performing Arts Centre Iceland, was staged at Théâtre de Quat’Sous in Montréal in April 2025. Tyrfingur is represented by Nordic Drama Corner in Finland.
The Death Department by Birnir Jón Sigurðsson was presented at the DRAAMA Festival in Tartu, Estonia, in September 2026, where a staged excerpt from the play was performed in Estonian as part of the NEW NORTH project. Next spring, the work will take another major step when it premieres in French translation at Théâtre de Quat’Sous in Montréal. Birnir is also represented by Nordic Drama Corner.
The works of Hrafnhildur Hagalín Guðmundsdóttir are represented by Nordiska ApS in Copenhagen. Home received a translation grant from Performing Arts Centre Iceland in 2025 and was subsequently among the works the Centre presented specifically to international theatre professionals.
In 2025, Performing Arts Centre Iceland organised presentations of works by Hrafnhildur and Tyrfingur in Berlin, Helsinki and Oslo, where excerpts from their plays were presented in readings and the authors were introduced to theatre directors and other industry professionals.
These examples show that a strong translation can serve more than one purpose: it can provide the basis for a production abroad, but also act as a key promotional tool when approaching theatres, festivals, agents and other potential partners.
Applications are assessed on factors including the artistic and professional strength of the work, its potential for international promotion and collaboration, the translator’s experience and qualifications, and the proposed use of the translation.
Authors, directors, producers and representatives of theatres or performing arts companies involved in Icelandic-language performing arts works may apply.
The application deadline is 2 November 2026 at 16:00.
Further information on eligibility, grant amounts and the application process is available on the Performing Arts Centre Iceland translation grants page.
