Mikhail Shishkin invented and created (the second is a huge job) a new Dar Prize for uncensored Russian-language literature.
I was invited to be a co-founder, and I gratefully accepted. At a time when everything connected with Russian culture is being bent and destroyed, it is a joy to participate in something not funeral but creative (and even together with so many worthy people).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I promised that I would keep my readership informed of all the steps in the award process. It is my pleasure to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first stage is over: the Expert Council has shortlisted the works nominated for the prize (see the link in the comment). Now the Jury (very representative, you can see it at the link) will vote and give its verdict in April. The main prize is a grant to translate the work into foreign languages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But there is an innovation that I have not seen in other literary prizes. There is also a reader's vote, which is also crowdfunding. You have the opportunity to help, first, free publishers, who are having a hard time surviving today, by buying all these books. And secondly, you can support the authors themselves. If you like the book you read, you vote for it by donating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The person with the most votes will receive the Reader's Prize. Also, each shortlisted participant will receive money that has been accumulated in their rating account. Sounds like a great idea to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n