BRICS Literary Prize 2025: a bridge between cultures and an opportunity for new voices

MOSCOW, SHANGHAI, BRASILIA - 2 July 2025 - At a time when the world faces many challenges and cultural understanding is becoming the key to international cooperation, the BRICS Literary Prize comes as a beacon of hope, unity and shared values. This prestigious project, which aims to support authors from the five BRICS member states - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - is fast becoming one of the most important cultural phenomena of the global South.

Deep roots in BRICS values

Since its inception, the prize has been conceived as an instrument of cultural diplomacy and literary dialogue between civilisations whose traditions, historical experiences and social values differ, but at the same time inspire each other. The organisers of the prize emphasise that literature has a unique ability to cross borders, break down stereotypes and build bridges between people. The aim of the prize is to recognise and support those authors whose works are not only artistic expressions but also mirrors national identity, historical memory and social responsibility. In the texts of the nominated authors, readers can encounter themes such as respect for ancestors, traditions of collective solidarity, spiritual legacy and the struggle for justice - values that the BRICS nations share and consider as the basis of their identity.

Well thought-out structure and transparent process

The Award Organising Committee paid particular attention to the transparency and expertise of the evaluation process. Each participating country has a national panel of renowned literary and scientific experts. These experts have the right to nominate up to three authors, either themselves or through nominators, whose work they consider worthy of international recognition.

The evaluation takes place in three stages:

1 September - long list of candidates (hosted by Brazil)

2. October - shortlist of finalists (to be announced in Shanghai)

3. November - winner announced in Moscow

A special feature of this system is the rule that jury members cannot vote for their own country's representative. In the event of a tie, the presiding country of the year has the casting vote. This system guarantees objectivity and respects the balance of interests between all countries.

Generous awards and strong background

The winner of the main prize in 2025 will receive a cash prize of 1 million rubles, provided by the Eurasian Book Agency (EBA). This organization, which has become an official partner of the BRICS Literary Prize, is tasked not only with ensuring the prestigious level of the competition, but above all with supporting the translation and publication of the nominated works in each country. In doing so, it helps to ensure that exceptional literary works can reach a wider audience and overcome language and cultural barriers. In addition, the ECA actively involves other international and national institutions that share the idea of cultural rapprochement in shaping the prize fund. It also helps to create long-term links between publishers, literary festivals and cultural centres.

Room for new talent - debutants in the spotlight

In addition, in 2025, the EKA will announce a special prize in the category "Best Literary Debut". This new initiative is aimed at discovering young and talented authors who represent the future of national and international literature. The first edition of this category will be open to authors from the Russian Federation and the award ceremony will take place during the BRICS Arts Festival in Khabarovsk, which will take place from 12 to 20 October 2025. This new category not only supports the emerging generation of writers, but also creates conditions for greater involvement of young people in the cultural life of the BRICS. It is an investment in the future - in the development of creativity, cultural identity and intercultural dialogue.

Festival as the culmination of the year

The BRICS Arts Festival in Khabarovsk will become not only a venue for the award ceremony, but also a cultural feast, bringing together authors, publishers, translators, academics and readers. The organisers are preparing a varied programme including author readings, discussions, exhibitions and creative workshops. The festival aims to become a regular cultural event that will bring the richness of literature and art of the BRICS member states to the public. Representatives of the organising committee and the authors themselves agree that the BRICS Literary Prize has a far-reaching impact not only on the individual laureates but also on the perception of BRICS as a cultural community. At a time when cultural isolation and language barriers often prevent a deeper understanding of other societies, this prize comes with a clear vision - to bring the world closer through stories, poetry, novels and essays. Connecting the national literatures of the BRICS brings new impetus and inspiration to authors and readers alike. It allows us to share experiences, reflect on shared historical moments and create new forms of storytelling that appeal not only to BRICS citizens but also to a wider international audience.

A new cultural bridge in a multipolar world

The BRICS Literary Award is not just an award for individual authors. It is a symbol of cultural self-confidence and openness to other traditions. It creates a space for international recognition, mutual enrichment and deeper understanding between nations. Thus, 2025 can be not only a year of new literary discoveries, but also a confirmation that BRICS cultural cooperation is not just a diplomatic concept, but a real living organism that breathes through stories, words and poetry.

gnews.cz - GH