Greetings to you, friends and colleagues,
We, the members of International PEN, adhere to the Charter of the PEN Club and commit ourselves to do everything possible to dispel any hatred and uphold the ideal of a united humanity living in peace and equality. We welcome the establishment of the literary prize "Dar," which is founded on the principles of peace, dialogue, and solidarity. The Charter of the PEN Club affirms that the existence and dissemination of literature must remain unhindered even during times of war. We believe that the role of writers—especially during conflicts and serious social upheavals—becomes even more crucial in understanding the human experience. International PEN expresses its support for the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian writers, as well as for many Russian writers and cultural figures who, risking everything, call for an end to the war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with the brave people of Belarus in their ongoing struggle to defend fundamental freedoms. Literature and dialogue are meant to connect a world increasingly divided by political repression, misinformation, and global crises. The literary prize "Dar" serves as a beacon of hope for all authors writing in Russian who oppose war and advocate for peace. May their words be accessible to all who wish to hear them.
Burhan Sonmez President of International PEN Club
What Are the Objectives of the Award?
The primary goal of the Award is to support authors and promote Russian-language literature worldwide. We welcome all who write and read in Russian, regardless of citizenship or place of residence. We aim to foster a Russian-language culture free from political and imperial influences.
How Is the Award Process Conducted?
The Prize is awarded annually. The Jury holds a vote in which each member selects between one and three works. The author whose work receives the highest number of votes becomes the winner.
What Awards Are Provided?
The Prize winner receives a grant for the translation of their work into English, French, and German.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Submissions for the third season of the prize will open on July 15, 2026, and close on October 15, 2026.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
On January 20, 2027, the Council of Experts will announce the shortlist. The Independent Jury will announce the winner on May 25, 2027.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
Works published in 2025 are eligible for the third season of the competition. Eligible works (novels, novellas, short story and essay collections, documentary prose) may have been published either as standalone editions or in literary magazines. Nominations may be submitted by publishing houses and magazine editorial boards, as well as by the authors themselves or third parties (with the author's consent and written confirmation). Texts must be submitted for consideration in electronic format. The DAR Prize is open to all authors. Given the prize's main goals — promoting contemporary Russian-language literature outside of Russia — and the nature of the award itself (a translation grant), priority will be given to authors whose works have not previously been translated into English, French, or German.
