The Congress of Translators

The World Congress of Translators of Polish Literature is a meeting of translators of Polish literature from all around the world, hosted by the Book Institute for several days each year in Krakow, taking place every four years. The specially prepared programme includes book presentations, meetings with writers, panel discussions and lectures. The climax is the Transatlantyk Award, presented yearly to an outstanding ambassador for Polish literature in the world.

The first edition was held in 2005, and the last one in 2022. Recent congresses saw the participation of over 200 translators from dozens of countries – mostly from Europe, but also from North and South America, Asia, and Australia – some with an impressive CV, others from the younger generation.

The World Congress of Translators is a great holiday of Polish literature, and a way of honouring the work of people who combine translation of Polish literature and the promotion of our writers. The event is of special importance, as translators often stress the importance of direct contact with Polish culture and other translators, creating a community of people who love Polish literature.

A key element of the event is the Transatlantyk Award gala, in which all the congress participants take part, and which takes on a particularly ceremonial quality once every four years. The soonest upcoming edition is planned for late June and early July 2026.