Literature and Translation under the same ceiling

The Dutch Foundation for Literature (Nederlands Letterenfonds) resulted from the 2010 fusion of the Foundation for the Production and Translation of Dutch Literature (NLPVF) and the Fund for the Letters (Fonds voor de Letteren, FvdL).

With the support of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, this writers and translators association intends to continue the tasks of the two extinct organisations, providing support to writers and translators and promoting Dutch literature beyond the country’s borders. The foundation states that it “will act with renewed vigour in the fields of international translations, quality non-fiction (original Dutch and translated) and new developments in literature and the publishing profession”.

A steering group has been set up to merge the two bodies into one. This group is composed of Ernst Bruinsma, Rien Verhoef, Greetje van den Bergh and Henk Pröpper (spokesman). It is in charge of formulating new regulations, developing a new corporate style and refresh the writing and translation association website. Last but not the least, it wishes to find and occupy new premises, so that it is able to accommodate all members of staff.

Until the process is completed, the two original and separate contact details still apply, including addresses, websites, telephone numbers, etc.

The writers and translators association based in Amsterdam exists with the point of promoting foreign interest in literature originally produced in the Dutch language. It keeps in touch with a large number of international publishing houses, institutions and translation companies. It holds a stand at the most important international book fairs, including the Frankfurt Book Fair, the London Book Fair and the Children’s Book Fair in Bologna, Italy.

Translation Grants

The Dutch translation association offers opportunities for foreign publishers who wish to publish translations of Dutch or Frisian literature, including children’s books, quality non-fiction and poetry. Those interested may apply for a subsidy that may help with translation costs.

After having acquired the publishing rights to a Dutch or a Frisian literary work, the publisher may send an application for a subsidy, accompanied by a copy of the contract between the foreign publisher and the owner of the Dutch rights, as well as a copy of the contract with the translator. There are specific application forms which are available from the writers and translators association, which applicants must make use of.

As it assesses whether it grants or not a subsidy, the Foundation takes several considerations into account. For example, the literary quality of the book, the status of the publisher or the quality demonstrated by the translator. In case the translation professional is unknown to the organisation, a sample of his / her work is required. This sample will be assessed by an external advisor.

The maximum possible subsidy attributed is 70% of the total cost of translation. Poetry is seen as a special case, for which it can reach 100%. Applications for subsidies concerning translations which have already been published will not be considered.

The Dutch writers and translators association demands that, when the work is printed, an acknowledgment must be visible, stating that the corresponding publication has been possible with the financial support from the Dutch Foundation for Literature. Examples in several languages are available from the organisation’s website.

Translators’ House in Amsterdam

The Translators’ House in Amsterdam is open to all translators from Dutch into any language, who wish to further or maintain their language skills and their knowledge of Dutch culture. According to the writing and translation association in charge of its management, “the Translators’ House is an ideal base for translators wishing to do research for a translation project, to consult their author(s) or to meet publishers”.

The house is able to accommodate five translators at a time, for a period that varies from two weeks to two months. Translators who have a contract with a publisher to translate a work in Dutch (including poetry, children’s literature or quality non-fiction) may apply. They may also apply for a monthly grant of 1000 euro. Accommodation is free.

Those who translate from Dutch and do not have a contract are also eligible for admission, if they are working on a “well-defined literary project (e.g. the selection of an anthology, the writing of an introduction, annotation or commentary accompanying a translation, etc.)”. All guests are required to write a report on their stay.

Keep in mind that Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands. It is also spoken by approximately 60% of Belgium and Suriname. There are around 24 million native Dutch speakers.

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