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 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.
