The Mikhail Aniepadystav Prize for the best book cover: support Belarusians in their struggle for culture and identity!

Why is this so important today?

By supporting Belarusian culture, you stand shoulder to shoulder with a nation that is fighting for its freedom. Cultural resistance is part of this struggle - a way to save the identity, dignity and voice of Belarusians. It is also a step towards a free, democratic Belarus.

The Belarusian book today is fighting for its place in the world and in the hearts of readers. Every great cover is a step forward. It is a sign that we exist, that we are creating, that we are not silent. We want books from Belarus to look dignified - to be expressive, professional, inspiring.

Why are we doing this?

The award is named after an outstanding Belarusian artist, poet and cultural researcher - Mikhail Aniempadystav. He was not just a graphic artist - he saw visual art as a language capable of telling the story of Belarus and its aspirations.

His designs adorned the covers of books by classic and contemporary authors of Belarusian literature, and his last great work, The Colour of Belarus, became a true visual encyclopaedia of national identity. He was creating a better Belarus.

Mikhail Aniempadystau was also closely associated with Poland - he had many friends here, both in and outside artistic circles.

The award is organised by its co-founders, Belarusian PEN and the Open Culture Foundation.

Together, we can ensure that Belarusian books are

- presented with dignity on the shelves of bookshops around the world;

- be visible at fairs, in bookshops and on social media;

- finds its place in the hearts of readers;

- delighted and told a story from the first glance.

What do we award the prize for?

For the covers of Belarusian books that not only adorn them, but convey their idea, meaning and mood.

For graphic designs that take the Belarusian book to a new visual level.

What will your support be used for?

- for the creation of the main prize - a statuette in the form of an angel;

- for the organisation of the open competition and the work of the jury;

- for the realisation of a beautiful, modern award ceremony.

On the Belarusian PEN website you can see what the statuette looks like and how the last two ceremonies - in Warsaw and Bielsk Podlaski- went.

Support the award - support a Belarusian book that you can be proud of. Your contribution is not only a help. It is an investment in the presence, sound and image of Belarus in the world.