Registration deadline: January 22, 2010
Application deadline: February 17, 2010

Support for translators' fees is available for the completion of literary translations into English. Accuracy and literary quality of the translation are paramount criteria in this category. Grants in this category range from $2,500 to $10,000. Preference is given to work that has a commitment for publication from a New York State literary publisher or of public performance by a New York State theatre or literary presenter. Priority is given to translators who are New York State residents. Completed projects are ineligible for funding.

Note: Applications in this category go directly to panel and are not subject to staff review.

Individuals cannot directly apply for Council funding; each literary translation request is sponsored by a nonprofit organization. Fiscal sponsors of literary translation applications may take a fee of no more than 5% of the grant, provided they are presenting a public program featuring the funded translator. The Program recommends that potential applicants see a model translator's contract and a copy of "Handbook for Literary Translators " compiled by PEN Translation Committee, 588 Broadway (Suite 303), New York, NY 10012, (212) 334-1660. See www.pen.org/page.php/prmID/322.

Applications in this category are exempt from the Council's four-request limit. Organizations intending to apply in this category are strongly advised to consult with Program staff well before the January 22, 2010 registration deadline.

Application Instructions

The on-line application form includes the following questions, and a project budget. Required support materials are listed below.

Application Narrative Questions

Artistic/Programmatic

1. Work to be Translated/Permissions
A) Give the title, author and genre of the work to be translated into English. B) Note the original language (specifying dialect) from which the translation is being made. C) Indicate whether rights to the work have been secured, or when they will be secured.

2. Translator and Fee
A) Identify the translator/s and briefly summarize their professional credentials and interest in the project. B) Note whether the translator has received previous support from NYSCA. C) Specify the translator's fee and how has it has been calculated.

3. Translator's Statement
A) Provide a statement from the proposed translator describing the translation project and her/his interest in the work. B) Detail the translator’s artistic concerns and intentions relating to the proposed project. C) Discuss the need for the translation, the relevant publication history of the work, and the literary context of the work in its original and any other English translations. D) Note the current stage of the project (first draft, second draft, etc.), and the proposed completion date.

Service to the Public

4. Publication/Public Programs
A) If the translation project has special relevance to the public service mission of the sponsoring organization, please discuss here. B) Describe any plans for publication and/or public readings presenting the translator/ translation to New York State readers/audiences.

5. Marketing
Detail plans for promoting the completed publication of the translation and/or the public program featuring the translator to NYS readers/audiences.

Support Materials

Support material must be postmarked, e-mailed, or hand-delivered to the Program by the application deadline. If you want support materials returned, provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.