Trans-European Journeys: Celebrating European Literature Through Creative Europe Partnership
Published by Letras Ausentes | European Literature Translation & Cultural Exchange
Introduction to Trans-European Journeys
Trans-European Journeys represents an exciting literary collaboration project in contemporary Europe, bringing together diverse voices from across the continent to celebrate and share the rich heritage of European literature. This three-year initiative, supported by the European Union through the prestigious Creative Europe programme, exemplifies how cultural partnerships can transcend borders and create meaningful connections between different literary traditions.
Letras Ausentes, is proud to represent Portugal in Trans-European Journeys, a collaboration with publishers and cultural organisations from Sweden, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Armenia. Together, we are united by a shared vision: to broaden literary exchange across borders and make European literature accessible to new audiences worldwide.
Why Trans-European Journeys Matters?
A Comprehensive Literary Exchange Program
Trans-European Journeys stands out in the European cultural landscape for its comprehensive approach to literary translation and promotion. Unlike smaller translation projects, this initiative encompasses:
- Professional translation of 25 carefully selected literary works
- Strategic publication across multiple European markets
- Targeted distribution to reach diverse readerships
- Active promotion through cultural events and digital platforms
- Cross-cultural dialogue between authors, translators, and readers
The Creative Europe Connection
The Creative Europe programme provides crucial support for Trans-European Journeys, recognising the project’s potential to strengthen Europe’s cultural ecosystem. This EU initiative specifically focuses on promoting cultural and linguistic diversity while enhancing the circulation of European literary works across national boundaries.
Through Creative Europe funding, Trans-European Journeys can invest in high-quality translations, professional publishing standards, and comprehensive marketing strategies that ensure these literary works reach their intended audiences effectively.
Letras Ausentes' Role in Trans-European Journeys
Our Portuguese Literature Translation Mission
As a dedicated participant in Trans-European Journeys, Letras Ausentes has taken on the exciting challenge of translating several Portuguese literary works for international audiences. Our contribution to this Trans-European Journeys initiative includes:
Featured Portuguese Works in Trans-European Journeys
O Ioga dos Poetas by Iolanda Serapicos
- Translation: Portuguese to Vietnamese
- Focus: Contemporary Portuguese poetry and spiritual reflection
- Target audience: Vietnamese literary community
- Learn more about O Ioga dos Poetas
Retalhos Lusitanos by Martim Castro de Noronha
- Translation: Portuguese to Chinese
- Genre: Cultural poetry and Portuguese identity
- Target audience: Chinese-speaking readers interested in European culture
- Discover Retalhos Lusitanos
As Gargalhadas ao Sol em Som Ritmado by Dalila Torgal
- Translation: Portuguese to Korean
- Style: Children’s poetry and rhythmic prose
- Target audience: Korean literary enthusiasts
- Explore this unique work
A Leveza Do Olhar by Agostinho Adrego Pessanha
- Translation: Portuguese to Greek
- Theme: Contemplative reflections and philosophical insights
- Target audience: Greek readers seeking philosophical literature
- Read more about A Leveza Do Olhar
Viver a Alma Lusa by Martim Castro de Noronhabridges
- Translation: Portuguese to Greek
- Focus: Portuguese cultural identity and heritage
- Target audience: Greek literary community
- Learn about Viver a Alma Lusa
Building Cultural Bridges Through Translation
Through our participation in Trans-European Journeys, Letras Ausentes aims to build meaningful connections between Portuguese culture and the vibrant literary communities of Greece, Korea, China, and Vietnam. Each translation project within Trans-European Journeys represents more than just linguistic conversion; it’s a cultural dialogue that enriches both source and target literary traditions.
The Impact of Trans-European Journeys on European Literature
Supporting Emerging and Established Authors
The Trans-European Journeys project provides valuable opportunities for both emerging and established European authors to expand their readership beyond traditional linguistic boundaries. Through strategic translation and promotion, authors can:
- Access new markets previously unavailable due to language barriers
- Engage with international literary communities
- Participate in cross-cultural literary dialogues
- Build lasting relationships with international publishers and readers
Promoting Literary Diversity
Trans-European Journeys plays a crucial role in promoting the diversity of European literature. By facilitating translations between different European languages and extending to Asian markets, the project ensures that:
- Lesser-known European authors gain international recognition
- Diverse literary styles and themes reach new audiences
- Cultural exchange enhances mutual understanding between nations
- Literary traditions influence and inspire each other
Trans-European Journeys: Project Leadership and Partnership
International Partnership Network
The strength of Trans-European Journeys lies in its diverse partnership network, which includes:
- Sweden: Project leadership and Nordic literary expertise
- Portugal: Rich literary tradition and Lusophone connections
- Greece: Classical and contemporary literary heritage
- Czech Republic: Central European literary perspectives
- Armenia: Unique cultural bridge between Europe and Asia
Regional Leadership
Trans-European Journeys is expertly led by Region Jönköpings län in Sweden, bringing extensive experience in cultural project management and European collaboration. This Swedish regional authority provides:
- Strategic project coordination
- Administrative oversight
- Quality assurance across all translation projects
- Liaison with Creative Europe programme administrators
Future Developments in Trans-European Journeys
Long-term Vision for Trans-European Journeys
The Trans-European Journeys project represents more than a temporary collaboration—it establishes a foundation for ongoing literary exchange that could influence European cultural policy for years to come. The project’s success may inspire:
- Additional Creative Europe funding for similar initiatives
- Expansion to include more European and international partners
- Development of new translation and promotion methodologies
- Creation of permanent networks for literary exchange
Upcoming Publications and Events
As Trans-European Journeys progresses through its three-year timeline, participants and supporters can expect:
- Regular publication releases across partner countries
- Literary events and book launches in multiple European cities
- Author readings and cultural exchanges between partner nations
- Digital promotion campaigns reaching global audiences
- Academic conferences discussing the impact of the project
How to Stay Connected with Trans-European Journeys
Supporting Trans-European Journeys
Readers and cultural enthusiasts can support Trans-European Journeys by:
- Purchasing translated works from participating publishers
- Attending literary events and book launches
- Sharing information about the project on social media
- Engaging with authors and translators through cultural events
- Promoting European literature in their local communities
Following Project Updates
To stay informed about Trans-European Journeys developments:
- Visit the official project website
- Follow Letras Ausentes for Portuguese literature updates
- Subscribe to Creative Europe programme newsletters
- Attend literary events in partner countries
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Trans-European Journeys
Trans-European Journeys exemplifies the transformative power of cultural collaboration in our interconnected world. Through this Creative Europe-supported initiative, European literature transcends traditional boundaries, creating new dialogues between cultures and expanding the global appreciation for diverse literary traditions.
As Letras Ausentes continues our involvement in Trans-European Journeys, we remain committed to our mission of making Portuguese literature accessible to international audiences while fostering meaningful cultural exchanges. The project represents not just a translation initiative but a celebration of Europe’s rich literary heritage and its potential to inspire readers worldwide.
The success of Trans-European Journeys demonstrates that when publishers, cultural organisations, and government institutions work together with a shared vision and adequate support, literature can truly become a universal language that connects people across borders, languages, and cultures.
