Does our literary community need «Belarusian Booker» and who has the right to establish it?
To establish a literary prize — this is task given to me at the editorial office. I love to read, and very often when choosing a book I draw attention to the fact, which its author was awarded the prestigious award. Yes something to hide: I prefer the writer, whose works are recognized and appreciated, because the literary prize for me, like a beacon in the ocean of literature. Before I take specific steps, I am using the Internet to know what premiums exist in our country. It turns out that a lot of them: named by Maxim Bogdanovich, Simeon Polotskij, Petrus Brovka and many other. However, why we know so little about them? In the same Russia, for example, «Russian Booker» is a respected literary prize, with which authors and readers are considered. Why do not I try to create the Belarusian analogue?
From preliminary research I turn to the real action. I am calling to the Ministry of Culture.
– I would like to establish a literary prize, – I am speaking hesitantly into the phone.
– And why did you apply to us? – Ask me at the other end. – Call the Ministry of Information.
I get into the directorate of publishing and the book trade of this department. But, it turns out, is not «the ultimate authority», best of all, as I was assured, contact to the Union of Writers of Belarus (UWB).
Shoulder of colleagues
In the reception room of UWB I get a phone number of chairman.
– Come, I will tell all, – Nicholai Cherginets invites immediately.
Desk of heads of Union are swamped with papers. I recognize that I came in time – in the organization just discussing the situation with two literary awards.
– We are going to send proposals to the Ministry of Information on the establishment of the Council the literary prize of Ministers and of our union, –Nikolai Ivanovich said. – We already have one that is timed to Day of writing. Now are working on a second.
– If an individual is going to create a literary prize, what to do? – I ask the question.
– He can apply to us. We will discuss all. If needed, we will help to draft a position, –Nikolai Ivanovich reassuring. And then we shall turn to the Ministry of Information. I think that these initiatives will be also support there. Although, as a rule individuals join to various competitions and set up own nomination.
– How often do these patrons are turning to you?
– One day there was a precedent. I find it difficult to remember the name of this person, so it was quite a long time.
– How do you think our country needs a «Belarusian Booker»?
– I believe that is the prize of UWB, that we want to «establish» this year, will be at the level of Booker.
– And who be able to claim to it?
– We just now are debating on this topic. I think it should be not only the members of our union. It is very important to involve young people.
The three «Musketeers»
Once again, «wandering» through the maze of the Internet, I know that patron can to encourage talented authors without any support. By this path went creators of the first and so far only private Belarusian Prize for poets «Under the sign of the three». To one of its founders I also asked for a cup of coffee.
– Nowhere is specifically stated, who has the right to establish and award a literary prize, – the chairman of the Belarusian Literary Union «Polotsk branch» Oleg Zaitsev said.
– It turns out that any one, who has money, can establish a prize?
– I believe it will be, above all, people who are not indifferent to literature. After all, «Under the sign of the three» also established authors, who themselves write.
– How do you think, do our authors need to «Belarusian Booker»?
– Of course, it is necessary. He will conduct a review competition in the country, will help determine, who is worth what. The only necessary, that the jury was plentiful and impartial. To the jury should include not only members of various literary organizations, but also independent authors. This will ensure objectivity. Then the literary community will receive the award with a certain reverence. Well, in order to be admitted to another and the reading public, it is necessary to actively talk about it in the mass media. That there was a wide response.
