The 2026 Antanas Baranauskas literary prize: A call for nominations

The search is on for the next literary voice to be honoured with the prestigious Antanas Baranauskas Literary Prize! The Anykščiai District Municipality is officially inviting nominations for the 2026 award, celebrating exceptional works that echo the spirit of Baranauskas and his deep connection to nature.

Who is eligible for the prize?

This annual award recognizes professional creators for outstanding works published within the last three years. We are looking for submissions in the following categories:

• Works of fiction that inspire a love for Lithuania’s nature or the Anykščiai region, exploring the spiritual bond between humanity and the environment.
• Professional literary studies dedicated to the life and work of Antanas Baranauskas.
• Professional translations of works by authors from Anykščiai.

How to nominate a candidate

Nominations are welcomed from esteemed institutions in the field of Lithuanian literature and literary studies. This includes the Lithuanian Writers’ Union, the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, humanities institutes, universities, cultural organizations, and publishing houses.

Each institution may put forward one candidate. The submission must include the author’s name, the nominated work, a letter of recommendation, and one copy of the book.

What the winner receives

A special commission will review all submissions to select a single laureate for 2026. The winner will be celebrated at a ceremony before December 31st and will receive a prize package that includes:

• A monetary award of 70 BSI (Basic Social Benefit).
• An official laureate’s diploma.
• A unique artistic sign representing the prize.

Submit your nomination by September 21

Don’t miss the deadline! All application materials must be received by September 21, 2026.

Please send submissions to:
Anykščiai District Municipality Administration
J. Biliūno g. 23, 29111 Anykščiai

For more information, please contact Inga Eidrigevičienė, Head of the Culture and Tourism Department, at +370 614 47164 or [email protected].