Mikhail Shishkin invented and created (the second is a huge job) a new Dar Prize for uncensored Russian-language literature.
I was invited to be a co-founder, and I gratefully accepted. At a time when everything connected with Russian culture is being bent and destroyed, it is a joy to participate in something not funeral but creative (and even together with so many worthy people).
I promised that I would keep my readership informed of all the steps in the award process. It is my pleasure to do so.
The first stage is over: the Expert Council has shortlisted the works nominated for the prize (see the link in the comment). Now the Jury (very representative, you can see it at the link) will vote and give its verdict in April. The main prize is a grant to translate the work into foreign languages.
But there is an innovation that I have not seen in other literary prizes. There is also a reader's vote, which is also crowdfunding. You have the opportunity to help, first, free publishers, who are having a hard time surviving today, by buying all these books. And secondly, you can support the authors themselves. If you like the book you read, you vote for it by donating.
The person with the most votes will receive the Reader's Prize. Also, each shortlisted participant will receive money that has been accumulated in their rating account. Sounds like a great idea to me.
Anyway, read on and vote!
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.
