From May 1 to May 3, 2026, the second Berlin Book Fair will take place at Bebelplatz — an independent volunteer-run horizontal project organized without external funding.
The fair is conceived as a lively and open space for Russian-language literature without censorship. Its informal slogan is “down with bubbles”: age, nationality, social circles. The organizers seek to bring together different generations, different contexts, and different literary experiences.
The program will be packed with events, focusing on publishing houses, new books, premieres, and meetings with authors. In 2026, there will be a special emphasis on young writers and new names, with the participation of recognized masters. The fair aims to attract international attention and promote the integration of Russian-speaking authors into the Berlin and European cultural context.
Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing isolation within Russia, the organizers view the fair as a space for cultural resistance and professional dialogue.
The Dar Literary Prize will participate in the Berlin Book Fair and present its projects and nominees for the second season.
Admission to the fair is free.
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.
