By Alexander Sergeev
Dmitry Strukov. Album of Drawings. 1864-1867, published by the Petrus Brovka Belarusian Encyclopaedia, won the Grand Prix at the event, while the publishing house has been given a first degree diploma in the ‘Commonwealth’ nomination for its Living Faith. Vetka album. A second degree diploma went to Valentin Gubarev. Everything is Important pictorial album, released by Mastatskaya Litaratura Publishing House, winning the ‘Art Book’ nomination. The Life of Yevfrosiniya Polotskaya, Mother Superior of the Monastery of Our Saviour in Polotsk, published by the Belarusian Exarchate, took the same award in the ‘Printed in the Commonwealth’ category. Minsk — City and People photo album, released by Artiya-Group enterprise, claimed a second degree diploma in the ‘My Country’ nomination. Moreover, The CIS: 20 Years photo album, published by the Belarusian Telegraph Agency, and a book on Kazakhstan, released by the Minsk International Culture of Books Centre, were given special diplomas.
According to Belarus’ First Deputy Information Minister, Lilia Ananich, Belarusian publishers have received more awards than their colleagues from other CIS states. Moreover, Belarus has been awarded the Grand Prix at the contest for the second year in a row. She believes that Belarusian book publishing has achieved this through highest level state support.
The International Art of Book Contest has been held since 2004 under the aegis of the Inter-State Council for Co-operation in Periodical Publication, Book Publishing, Book Distribution and Printing. The competition aims to expand collaboration, enhance culture and develop book art in the CIS while encouraging the brightest and most talented endeavours in book publishing.
In assessing the editions, the international jury looks at content, illustrations, design, the level of preparation, and scientific and reference information. The polygraphic quality is also assessed, as is its public and professional importance. The highest award — the Grand Prix — is bestowed to a unique edition and is the most prestigious of the contest.
This year, the event brought together 121 editions — from every member of the CIS except Turkmenistan. The international jury examined books in seven nominations and winners in each category were determined through secret vote. These were awarded diplomas of the first, second and third degree.
