Presentation of the Literary Prize Dar https://DarPrize.com
at the Berlin Book Fair - Berlin Bebelplatz.
Speakers:
— Михаил Шишкин, писатель, соучредитель и председатель жюри премии;
— Николай Александров, филолог, эссеист, глава экспертного совета премии;
— Рива Евстифеева Riva Evstifeeva, писатель, чья книга вошли в шорт-лист премии – «Интернатские рассказы», (Éditions Tourgueneff, 2023);
- Nikolay V. Kononov Nikolay V. Kononov, a writer whose book has been shortlisted for the prize - (The Night We Disappeared, Individuum, 2022).
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.
The winner of the award is the author whose book will receive the most votes in the open voting of the Jury. The main award is a grant to translate the book into foreign languages.
The award supports new voices and the best examples
independent modern Russian-language literature,
promoting it in the global cultural space
Independent of the main Prize, there is a reader's vote: readers vote for the finalists, one vote corresponding to a minimum contribution of 10 €. The winner is determined by the number of votes, and all funds raised are donated to the authors voted for.
Our prize was created for those who want to preserve and support Russian-language literature in these difficult times. We will report on all stages of the award process. Read, vote and join the preservation of cultural heritage!
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.
