TRANSLATION PROJECTS: Application Review

Review Criteria

In reviewing applications for Translation Projects, advisory panelists consider the:

Artistic excellence of the proposed project, which includes the:

  • Quality of the English sample translation.
  • Quality of the sample work to be translated.

Panelists also consider the:

Artistic merit of the proposed project, which includes the:

  • Importance of the proposed project.
  • Extent to which the language, the author, and the specific work are inadequately represented in English translation.
  • Applicant’s ability to carry out the proposed project as demonstrated by:
    • Proficiency in the language to be translated and familiarity with the culture.
    • Knowledge of and/or cooperation with the author(s) or copyright holders of the work to be translated.
  • Significance of the author(s) and/or the original work(s).
  • For collaborative projects, the ability of the collaborator(s) to work together as exemplified by the sample manuscript that has been submitted.

What Happens to Your Application

Applications are evaluated according to the review criteria above.

After processing by our staff to determine eligibility and completeness, applications are reviewed, in closed session, by advisory panelists in the field of literary translation. Each panel comprises a diverse group of translation experts and at least one knowledgeable layperson. Panel membership rotates regularly. Panel recommendations are forwarded to the National Council on the Arts, which then makes recommendations to the Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. The Chair reviews the Council’s recommendations and makes the final decision on all grant awards. Applicants are then notified of funding decisions.