Internationalization of Chilean literature
Chilean literature has found in translation an essential bridge to connect with new readers and to open intercultural dialogues that project our voices beyond borders. Translating our works allows the stories of Chile — with its landscapes, its diverse voices and its collective memories — to reach international audiences and to take their place on the great global publishing stage.
In this context, Chile’s participation as Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2027 gives the push for translation a special relevance. Having translated works not only broadens the reach of our literature, but also builds the foundations for a solid and meaningful presence at one of the most important cultural events in the world.
Translation support programmes
Chile has several initiatives that facilitate the translation of our works and authors:
Translating Chile Programme – DIRAC: Since 2017, this programme supports the translation of poetry, fiction, graphic novels, essays, drama and children’s literature, opening paths into languages as diverse as German, French, Japanese, Korean or Swahili. Major names in Chilean literature, from Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda to Diamela Eltit, Nona Fernández and Elicura Chihuailaf, have been part of this process, reaching readers all over the world.
Special call for German: In preparation for Frankfurt 2027, DIRAC is launching specific calls to translate works into German, helping classic and contemporary Chilean literature to hold a prominent place in the German-speaking world.
Support Line for the Translation of Fragments – MINCAP: This instrument funds the translation of fragments of national works, together with technical sheets, to facilitate rights sales and the international circulation of our books.
Presence at international fairs
Book fairs are windows onto the world and essential spaces for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of reading. Since 2014, Chile has taken an active part in events such as Frankfurt, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Lima and Guadalajara, and has been a special guest in Oaxaca, Medellín and the Festival de la Bande Dessinée d’Angoulême. These experiences have made it possible to present works by established and emerging authors, to give visibility to diverse narratives and to strengthen the international projection of the Chilean book.
At Frankfurt, our country has brought delegations of authors, publishers and illustrators, consolidating cultural programmes that highlight poetry, contemporary fiction, children’s literature and illustration. Authors such as Raúl Zurita, Alia Trabucco, María José Ferrada and Jorge Montealegre have shared their works with international audiences, often translated into German and other languages, showing the richness and diversity of our literature.
A collective effort
The road to Frankfurt 2027 is a joint effort involving MINCAP, DIRAC, ProChile, Fundación Imagen de Chile and the publishing guilds, among other actors. The strategy seeks not only to strengthen translation and the circulation of books, but also to project to the world the creativity, innovation and diversity of the Chilean cultural ecosystem in all its breadth.
Through these actions, Chile is consolidating a literature that crosses borders, connects cultures and shows the world a country capable of combining memory, modernity and a vision for the future.
