IDA Program Opens 2026 Call for Proposals to Bring Uruguayan Literature to Global Audiences

Uruguay XXI and the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), through its National Directorate of Culture and National Institute of Letters, have opened the 2026 call for proposals for the IDA Program. Now in its eighth edition, the program promotes Uruguayan literature internationally by supporting the translation, promotion, and circulation of works by Uruguayan authors in global markets.

Since its launch in 2019, the program has supported the translation of 74 works into 12 languages, as well as the translation into English of 11 excerpts and promotional catalogs and the production of 10 audiobooks. These achievements have established IDA as an important tool for strengthening the international presence of Uruguay’s publishing sector and connecting its literature with new audiences.

Named in honor of Ida Vitale, the acclaimed Uruguayan writer, translator, and recipient of the Cervantes Prize, the program offers three types of support. Line A is designed for international publishers interested in translating and publishing works by Uruguayan authors. Line B supports the translation into English of excerpts and promotional catalogs by Uruguayan publishers and authors to strengthen their international reach. Line C supports the production of audiobooks based on works by Uruguayan writers that have already been published in the country.

In 2025, the program received 32 applications from publishers across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. Selected proposals included works by Cristina Peri Rossi, Eugenia Ladra, Pedro Peña, Regina Ramos, Mercedes Estramil, Tamara Silva Bernaschina, Lucía Franco, Leo Maslíah, Ana Laura de Giorgi, and Valentina Codevilla, as well as El monte de las furias by Fernanda Trías, who was recently awarded the Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Prize.

The 2025 edition also reflected growing international interest in Uruguayan literature, with proposals for translations into Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Danish, Serbian, Swedish, Albanian, Greek, Arabic, Slovenian, and Romanian. The range of languages and markets demonstrates the expanding international reach of Uruguayan literature and growing interest among publishers around the world.

Applications for the 2026 edition will be accepted through September 18. Guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application forms are available at www.uruguayxxi.gub.uy/en/i-want-to-export/tools/ida-program/