Three literary events will take place in Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Vienna in the coming days: an evening with Viktor Shenderovich, a presentation of Sasha Galitsky’s new book, and a conversation with Darya Serenko about women’s labor, bureaucracy, and literature.
Viktor Shenderovich: Weather in the Village of Gadyukino
Viktor Shenderovich will appear at the Jüdische Gemeinde for an evening of readings and conversation. The writer will read new and familiar texts about his “home village,” share his predictions for the future, and answer questions from the audience. The event will be followed by a book signing, with the author’s books available for purchase.
Let’s Paint the Deer: Sasha Galitsky and His New Book
The Babel Bookstore will host a meeting with Sasha Galitsky dedicated to his new book, Let’s Paint the Deer. The book grew out of conversations, memories, jokes, and arguments shared by the people the author regularly meets around the worktable.
Its protagonists, aged from seventy to over one hundred, have lived through wars, emigration, loneliness, and the loss of loved ones, yet they have retained their ability to laugh, fall in love, and enjoy life. At the event, Sasha Galitsky will speak about the book and the stories behind it.
Darya Serenko: Girls and Institutions
At the Zone of Freedom festival, Darya Serenko will present a revised new edition of her book Girls and Institutions. Drawing on the author’s experience of working in libraries, galleries, and universities, the book brings together prose, poetry, and social analysis.
At its center are the women whose largely invisible and often underpaid labor keeps public cultural institutions running. During the event, Darya Serenko will discuss women’s labor, bureaucracy, mutual support, and the ways in which literature can emerge from the language of orders and reports.
Registration is available through the Telegram bot linked in the festival’s profile. Admission is free, with a suggested donation of €15 or more. All proceeds will support political prisoners and their families.
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.
