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 Award is given annually. The jury votes, with each member selecting between one and three works. The winner is the author whose work receives the most votes. Additionally, a reader’s vote (Crowdfunding) is conducted on the Award’s website, where readers can vote for authors and support them financially.
What Awards Are Provided?
The winner of the Award receives a grant to translate the work into English, French and German. Also, as part of the reader's vote, all collected funds are transferred to the authors for whom the readers voted.
When Does the Submission Period for the Competition Start and End?
Прием заявок на конкурс второго сезона премии начнется 1 сентября 2025-го и закончится 15-го октября 2025 года.
When will the list of finalists and winners be announced?
В январе 2026 года Совет Экспертов объявит список финалистов. Читательское голосование начинается в тот же месяц. В феврале-апреле члены жюри читают книги-финалисты, а победителей Премии и читательского голосования объявят в мае 2026 года.
What are the conditions for the nomination of a book for the award
В конкурсе второго сезона могут принимать участия произведения, изданные в 2024-м году. Произведения (роман, повесть, сборники рассказов и эссе, документальная проза), вышедшие отдельными изданиями или опубликованные в журналах. Номинировать на премию имеют право как издательства и редакции журналов, так и сами писатели или третьи лица (с согласия и письменного подтверждения автора). Тексты подаются к рассмотрению в электронном виде. Премия «Дар» открыта для всех авторов. Учитывая главные цели премии: продвижение современной русскоязычной литературы за пределами РФ и характер самого вознаграждение (грант на перевод) - приоритет будет отдаваться авторам, чьи произведения ранее не переводились на английский, французский и немецкий языки.
