The full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in addition to its main goal - the destruction of the neighboring state - is directed against the humanitarian values of world culture that unite us, of which the culture in the Russian language is a part. Free literature in Russian has been held hostage by the aggressor - and we, writers, publishers, literary critics, translators, Slavists, need urgent assistance to it. The creation of an independent prize is one of such measures.
Last April, on the initiative of the writer Mikhail Shishkin, a founding meeting of Swiss Slavists took place, which established the Association Literaturpreis “Dar” (Literaturpreis “Dar”, Prix littéraire “Dar”). Among the founders are well-known professors of Slavic studies: Georges Niva, Ilma Rakuza, Jean-Philippe Jacquart, Ulrich Schmid, Anastasia de la Fortel and others.
The Board of Founders included Lyudmila Ulitskaya, Boris Akunin, Dmitry Bykov, Dmitry Glukhovsky, Svetlana Alexievich, Sasha Filipenko, Mikhail Epshtein, Alexander Genis, Ivan Vyrypayev, Vitaly Mansky, Vladimir Jurowski, Anton Dolin, Tomas Venclova and other well-known cultural figures, as well as SlovoNovo Forum (Montenegro), Kulturus (Prague), True Russia (London). Our prize was also supported by the European Commission and PEN International.
The prize is neither a “Russian prize” nor a “prize of Russian literature”. It is a prize for rethinking the entire experience of literature in Russian, a prize for discovering new approaches to literature and literary life beyond archaic statehood, a prize for all those who write and read in Russian, regardless of passport and country of residence. Our language does not belong to dictators, but to the culture of humanity. The current discourse about “post-imperialism” and “decolonization” of literature needs to be translated into practical activity - the Dar Prize gives us the opportunity to move from words to deeds.
Now is the time to create a new type of culture in the Russian language, free from the curse of territory and from Russian “patriotism”, the time to create a new Russian-speaking culture that sees itself as part not of the territory, but of world culture. It is very important that our prize is attended by writers from all over the world who are united by the Russian language, including Ukrainian writers who write in Russian and Ukrainian publishers.
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.
