April 4 2025 in Berlin - at the Berlin Bebelplatz book fair - the presentation of the Literary Prize “Dar” took place. It brought together writers, critics and readers united by the idea of preserving and supporting Russian-language literature in exile.
Performing before the audience were:
- Mikhail Shishkin, writer, co-founder and chairman of the award jury.
- Nikolai Alexandrov, philologist, essayist, head of the Prize Expert Council
- Riva Evstifeeva, award finalist with her book “Internat Stories”
- Nikolai Kononov, an award finalist with his book The Night We Disappeared
As Nikolai Alexandrov noted:
“This sense of a new, different time-and an attempt to make sense of it-characterizes virtually all of the authors shortlisted for the prize.”
Mikhail Shishkin, in his speech, recalled the role of culture as a form of human dignity and free speech - especially important against the background of the silence that has become the new norm within Russia.
“All my life I felt solid ground under my feet - it was Russian culture. Now there is emptiness under my feet... Culture is a way of resistance. It is the breath of human dignity,” he emphasized.
The Dar Prize is an initiative to support authors writing in Russian outside Russia.
Как спасать литературу? Писатель Михаил Шишкин про премию «Дар»
Выступает Николай Александров, филолог, эссеист, глава экспертного совета премии, автор канала @Nikolai-Aleksandrov и видеоподкастов «Не только о книгах» на канале @TheInsiderlive
Рива Евстифеева:
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.
