Over 100 translators have signed an open letter calling on PEN America to relinquish control of the Heim Translation Fund, expressing concerns about the organization’s handling of the prestigious literary award. The letter, addressed to PEN America’s CEO Suzanne Nossel, highlights a perceived lack of transparency and accountability within the selection process, along with concerns about the fund’s focus and the representation of diverse voices within its awardees.
The Heim Translation Fund, established in 2006, annually awards $30,000 to a translator for their work on a single literary translation. While the fund has been lauded for its contribution to the literary translation field, the signatories argue that its current administration has fallen short of its potential. Critics point to the lack of public information regarding the selection process and the lack of representation of marginalized voices in past awardees.
“We believe the Heim Fund has the potential to be a powerful force for promoting literary translation and fostering a more diverse and inclusive literary landscape,” the letter reads. “However, its current structure and lack of transparency hinder its ability to fulfill this potential.”
The letter further calls for the establishment of an independent and transparent selection process with a diverse representation of voices on the selection committee. It also suggests exploring alternative models for the fund’s management that prioritize equity and inclusivity, potentially involving a collaborative effort with translators and literary organizations.
PEN America has yet to publicly respond to the open letter. The organization’s stance on the future of the Heim Fund remains uncertain, but the call for change from a significant number of translators signifies a growing demand for increased transparency and inclusivity within the prestigious literary award.
