At the beginning of June: a shared reading of Pasternak’s novel, Mikhail Zygar’s new book on the late Soviet period, and a stand-up poetry festival on Georgia’s Black Sea coast.
Online · June 1–30
Doctor Zhivago at the Curiosophy Book Club
Starting on June 1, the Curiosophy book club will be reading Doctor Zhivago — a month of shared reading with literary scholar Alexander Arkhangelsky and philologist Evgenia Prikhodko. The program includes a private Telegram chat with materials and discussions, weekly webinars in small groups, and a large Zoom session with Arkhangelsky. A good chance to read the novel more attentively than one would alone.
London · June 2
Mikhail Zygar: The Dark Side of the Earth
On June 2, London’s Pushkin House will host the presentation of Mikhail Zygar’s new book about the last decades of the USSR. At the center are personal destinies, ethical choices, and hidden forms of resistance within a totalitarian state. The conversation will be with journalist and The Economist editor Arkady Ostrovsky. The event will be available both online and offline.
Shekvetili, Georgia · June 3, 5, and 7
Orlusha Fest
Poet and creator of the stand-up poetry genre Andrei Orlov (Orlusha) is holding his own festival at the Simple Pleasures hotel on the Black Sea coast, 40 km from Batumi. Three evenings with completely different poetry programs, on June 3, 5, and 7.
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.
