Maria Galina has written an important book in Russian and has given her consent to be nominated for the new Literary Prize “Dar”, the objectives of which are clearly defined and everyone can read on the website: "The Prize was created to support and promote authors writing in Russian, regardless of their place of residence and citizenship. We aim to draw attention to new voices and the best examples of contemporary Russian-language literature. The Prize seeks to create a new culture where literature in Russian takes its rightful place in the world, being responsible to humanity, not to dictatorships."
Mikhail Shishkin
Maria's book deservedly received the support of the jury members and was the winner of the first season of the Dar Award.
After learning about winning the contest, Maria refused to accept the award, explaining her position in an open letter that she did not want to support Russian as the language of the aggressor country. Accepting her decision.
Several Western publishers already showed great interest in publishing the winning book during the voting process. There have already been many publications and videos about the Dar Prize in the media in different countries, for example, in the German TV program “Kulturzeit” on the 3Sat channel, dedicated to the Dar Prize, there was a great interview with Maria Galina (link in the first comment). I have no doubt that her book, which has now become famous thanks to winning our competition, will be published in translations and will find a wide readership. And in this sense, the task set for the Dar Prize has been accomplished - we were able to draw the attention of both Russian-speaking readers and Western publishers to this text. I sincerely wish Maria and her book success, and I am glad that this is a success for our prize.
The grants refused by Maria Galina will go to the winners of the second season. Thus, the winners in the jury voting will be next year not one but two books that will receive the majority of the jury's votes.
The donations collected for Maria Galina and refused by her - 5541,00 € - we will return to the readers who gave Maria their votes.
The next season of the Dar Literary Prize will open on September 1, 2025.
We continue.
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.
