A new annual literary prize "Volya" is being launched in Ukraine, which will recognize books about contemporary Ukraine and help draw more attention to Ukrainian literature. The founders of the prize are the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, with PrivatBank as the main partner of the project.
The prize covers three nominations: the best prose book, the best documentary book, and the best book by a foreign author about Ukraine translated into Ukrainian. Winning authors in each category will receive 400,000 hryvnias.
The idea of the prize goes beyond the usual literary competition. Its founders aim to support authors and publishers, increase interest in reading, and make Ukrainian books more visible both within the country and abroad. Special attention is paid to literature that helps to comprehend contemporary Ukrainian experience and tells the world about it.
"We are launching 'Volya' to support books that comprehend contemporary Ukraine and tell the world about it. The prize will recognize contemporary Ukrainian literature and books by foreign authors about Ukraine. This is an investment in authors, the development of the book market, and the strength of the Ukrainian voice. The partnership between the state, the academic community, and business provides the prize with a professional foundation, resources for development, and long-term prospects," noted Tetiana Berezhna, Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy of Ukraine — Minister of Culture of Ukraine.
For the Ukrainian book market, the partnership with PrivatBank is a striking example of how business systematically invests not only in social or charitable projects but also in the development of cultural institutions. Such partnerships can ensure the long-term development of literary initiatives and make book culture more visible in the public sphere.
Ukrainian publishers can submit books to the competition until August 19. Longlists will be announced in October, shortlists in November, and winners will be declared in early December.
