{"id":16825,"date":"2024-09-24T15:01:21","date_gmt":"2024-09-24T15:01:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/?p=16825"},"modified":"2025-10-25T09:03:28","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T09:03:28","slug":"premiya-natalli-arsennevaj-paeziya-pad-blakitnym-nebam-z-dobrym-starym-vinilam-i-zhyvoj-muzykaj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/2024\/09\/24\/premiya-natalli-arsennevaj-paeziya-pad-blakitnym-nebam-z-dobrym-starym-vinilam-i-zhyvoj-muzykaj.html","title":{"rendered":"Natallia Arsiennieva Award: poetry under the blue sky with vintage vinyl and live music"},"content":{"rendered":"

Photo report from the Natallia Arsiennieva Award ceremony. Photo by: Aliaksandr Dragavoz.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Natallia Arsiennieva Award is the most prestigious poetry prize in the Belarusian language. It serves not only as an incentive for poets to pursue new creative discoveries, but also as a way to amplify their voices\u2014especially in a time when many are forced to write from exile.<\/p>\n

An unusually warm autumn evening under the blue sky of Warsaw brought together several dozen lovers of the written word in the courtyard of the Youth Hub. This year\u2019s highlight was the poetic picnic format\u2014a fresh twist on the award ceremony. The Arsiennieva Prize also embraced a new visual identity, with blue and white as the main colors. Why? The designer\u2019s answer was artistic, in other words\u2014poetic: under the blue sky, everything feels different. And indeed, the new palette helped set a lyrical tone for the entire event.<\/p>\n

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Our history moves in circles\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why did the event take place on September 20?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the two noble goals of the evening was to pay tribute to Natallia Arsiennieva, the renowned Belarusian poet. Among her rich creative legacy stands the iconic poem Prayer<\/em> (Mahutny Bo\u017ea<\/em> \/ Almighty God<\/em>), written in forced exile. And it was on the 20th of September that this author of several brilliant works\u2014including musical pieces\u2014was born. This year marked her 121st birthday.<\/p>\n

Yes, times are different now, but things haven\u2019t become easier. Still, just as in the 20th century, the Belarusian poetic world continues to pulse with life, producing books in defiance of dramatic circumstances. The Natallia Arsiennieva Award aims to showcase new outstanding works, inspire readers with the richness and uniqueness of the Belarusian language, and highlight literary achievements that are worth aspiring to. This is the second key goal of the organizers.<\/p>\n

We spoke with jury member Andrei Khadanovich:<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s very symbolic that nearly all of this year\u2019s shortlisted poets are scattered across the world. They carry Belarus with them wherever they go. When you consider the fate of Natallia Arsiennieva, it feels like our history is spinning in a circle\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And what does that say to us?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cAt first glance, the fate of this famous poet seems tragic: her return to her homeland happened slowly and symbolically\u2014through texts that mostly reached us only after her death. But on the other hand, Natallia Arsiennieva outlived her persecutors\u2014the enemies of Belarus and the Belarusian language. Tyranny passes, but poetry remains. That\u2019s why we must always remember: cultural, literary\u2014any creative Belarusian activity nurtures our belief in returning home. Of course, we dream that the walls will fall sooner and that Arsiennieva\u2019s Mahutny Bo\u017ea<\/em> will one day resound again in the square in Minsk\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And did the jury see poems of that same highest caliber among this year\u2019s submissions?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cI was deeply moved by the work of an entire constellation of poets\u2014any of them could have been the winner. We presented readers with six exceptional books. Despite everything being done to silence our culture, despite the pressure it faces, creators continue to work and bring forth meaningful and powerful art.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Parallels in the Belarusian literary geography<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Natallia Arsiennieva Award was established in 2016 by PEN Belarus, the Union of Belarusian Writers, and the Association of Belarusians of the World \u201cBa\u0107ka\u016d\u0161\u010dyna.\u201d Since 2021, the prestigious event has been organized by PEN Belarus and the International Union of Belarusian Writers. This year\u2019s partners included the Estate of Vitaut Kipel and the Belarusian Charitable Trust. The awards ceremony was supported by the Belarusian Youth Hub.<\/p>\n

Who chose the laureates?<\/strong>
The challenging task of selecting the winners was undertaken by poet and translator Darja Bialkievi\u010d, poet and literary scholar Andrej Chadanovi\u010d (winner of the prize in 2019), along with journalist and writer Miroslava Luk\u0161a and Slavic studies scholar Alexander Raspapou, Doctor of Humanities.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s worth recalling that past laureates have included Ale\u015b Razana\u016d, U\u0142adzimir Niaklaje\u016d, Aliesia Ba\u0161arymava, and Maryja Martysevi\u010d.<\/p>\n

This year, the Natallia Arsiennieva Award featured books from around ten publishers based in Belarus, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Leading in the number of nominated books were hochroth Minsk<\/em> (founded by Dzmitry Strotcau) and Skaryna Press<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Many of the nominated authors are currently living in exile\u2026<\/p>\n

This new Belarusian literary geography draws poignant parallels with the forced journeys of Natallia Arsiennieva herself. She left Belarus with pain and not by choice, traveling widely through exile. Despite the hardships of emigration, she endured\u2014and created\u2014thanks in part to poetry. Her exalted poetic prayer Mahutny Bo\u017ea<\/em> (Almighty God<\/em>) was written in exile. A model for today\u2019s literary exiles?<\/p>\n

Indeed, contemporary authors continue to write and create despite repression, persecution, and war.<\/p>\n

The full longlist for the 2023 award included 17 books. The shortlist featured:<\/p>\n

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    \u201cUciek\u0456 z Palesia\u201d<\/em> (Escapes from Paliesse<\/em>) by Valjancina Aksak (Kamunikat.org),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    \u201cMiod i dym\u201d<\/em> (Honey and Smoke<\/em>) by Maryja Badziej (Pflaumbaum),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    \u201cCie\u0142a mihda\u0142u\u201d<\/em> (The Body of the Almond<\/em>) by Hanna \u0160akiel (publishing initiative \u201cVilma\u201d).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The war year of 2022 significantly slowed literary production, with only six books submitted. The final shortlist included:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cVershy\u201d<\/em> (Poems<\/em>) by Alhierd Bacharevi\u010d (Viasna),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      \u201cPoba\u010d\u201d<\/em> (Next To<\/em>) by Nasta Kudasava (Skaryny\u010dy),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      \u201cPiesni miortvykh i uva\u015bkres\u0142ykh\u201d<\/em> (Songs of the Dead and the Resurrected<\/em>) by Valzhyna Mort (Pflaumbaum).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      Note<\/strong>: Of the six shortlisted nominees, only one was a man \u2014 Alhierd Bacharevi\u010d, whom most readers know as a celebrated prose writer. This was a wonderful opportunity to discover him also as a remarkable poet!<\/p>\n

      The level of competition was reflected in the names of the literary masters whose books were considered by the jury this year: Maryja Martysevi\u010d, Hanna Komar, Hanna Jankuta, Artur Kamaro\u016dski, Ale\u015b Plotka, Dzmitry Rubin, Andrej Skurko, Andrej Stiepa\u0144uk, Viktar Siama\u0161ka\u2026<\/p>\n

      When poetry intertwines with fate \u2014 and fate with hope\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

      Tichan \u010carniakievi\u010d, press secretary of the International Union of Belarusian Writers:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cToday\u2019s readings clearly show that we have a strong and vibrant poetic scene. I\u2019ve served on many juries, but looking at the 2022 shortlist, for example \u2014 it was pure literary magic! You can only dream of such a trio\u2026 And it was incredibly difficult to choose just one winner. It\u2019s one of those times when you leave the prize ceremony with very mixed feelings\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Natallia Arsiennieva \u2014 the leading voice of Belarusian emigration in her time \u2014 waited 52 years for the publication of her second book, Between the Shores<\/em>. We hope such a fate won\u2019t befall the talented women poets who shared their verses today. Fortunately, publishers are active, and new books continue to appear \u2014 in short, poetry is alive and well. And that means the prize will live on, too.<\/p>\n

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      2022 laureate Nasta Kudasava<\/strong> supported Tichan \u010carniakievi\u010d\u2019s words:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cIndeed, the selection of authors was so strong that just making the shortlist already felt like a victory. For me, this award is, above all, a form of support. Writing is becoming increasingly difficult \u2014 everything happening around us makes it feel as though we\u2019re losing our voice\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      I asked Nasta:<\/p>\n

      \u2013 What is your poetic prayer today?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      \u201cTo be honest, I\u2019m not even sure if I still have the words for one\u2026 Sometimes it feels like the sparks, the rays of light, are gone. As if something inside is slowly burning out. But when you see how many engaged, sincere Belarusians are around \u2014 how they reacted to the shortlisted poems today, how they listened to Belarusian vinyl and the live songs of our young star Justyna Karpilovi\u010d \u2014 then hope grows stronger. And it\u2019s wonderful that we can contribute to this light through our books.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

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      The time has come to announce the 2023 laureate.<\/p>\n

      Poet and head of PEN Belarus, Taciana Niadbaj<\/strong>, took the floor:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cFirst, I want to thank the entire team responsible for organizing the award, as well as the Belarusian Youth Hub, which helped us host this wonderful ceremony, and our long-standing partner \u2014 the International Union of Belarusian Writers.<\/p>\n

      But before I reveal the winner\u2026 let\u2019s keep the suspense just a little longer!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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      I have a surprise.<\/p>\n

      Those who follow the work of our team may have noticed that the name of the 2021 Arsennieva Prize winner has never been publicly announced. For safety reasons, it had to remain a secret. That person never received the public recognition or the chance to attend a proper ceremony\u2026 But now, I can finally say the name: Darya Bialkevich<\/strong>, for her book Tears to the Wind<\/em>!<\/p>\n

      Two years later, the poet finally received long and heartfelt applause for her collection \u2014 and, of course, flowers!<\/p>\n

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      \u201cAt the time, I was still in Belarus, and going public could have put me at risk… Of course, I was overjoyed, but I was afraid to share that joy.<\/p>\n

      But now my whole family is abroad\u2026 and I can proudly say out loud: yes, I\u2019m the Arsennieva Prize laureate. I\u2019m very proud of that \u2014 and I can now add it to my poetic r\u00e9sum\u00e9.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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      \u0414\u0430\u0440\u2019\u044f \u0411\u044f\u043b\u044c\u043a\u0435\u0432\u0456\u0447<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      After the symbolic announcement of the 2021 laureate, Tatsiana Niadbaj revealed the name of the 2023 Natalia Arsennieva Prize winner: Hanna Shakel<\/strong> for her debut poetry collection The Body of the Almond<\/em> (\u0426\u0435\u043b\u0430 \u043c\u0456\u0433\u0434\u0430\u043b\u0443<\/em>).<\/p>\n

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      \u201cI\u2019m especially happy that, in the shortlist, alongside my own debut book, there was another debut collection \u2014 by my close friend. We helped each other edit our first books\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Someone in the audience joked:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cSo you\u2019ll be splitting the prize?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Laughter followed, and then came her warm reply, met with applause:<\/p>\n

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      \u201cWell, that\u2019s something we\u2019ll have to think about! But it\u2019s true \u2014 this win is a shared achievement. I hope that Natalia Arsennieva continues to bless young voices in poetry.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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      A bridge between time and space, memory and hope, us and our homeland<\/strong><\/p>\n

      The Natalia Arsennieva Prize once again reminded everyone that poetry lives on even in the hardest of times \u2014 it helps endure and overcome. If the blue and white colors of the new visual identity symbolize the open sky that connects all of us, then the poems themselves became a bridge: between past and present, time and space, memory and hope, language and poetry, us and our homeland.<\/p>\n

      \u2026Perhaps the most iconic book by Natalia Arsennieva is Between the Shores<\/em>, published 45 years ago \u2014 a title filled with the subtext of exile: where do you find yourself when you push away from what is yours, from your native land? Do you have the strength to reach the opposite shore, one that now feels foreign? Will you stay afloat? Or will you be swept into the currents of uncertainty and oblivion?<\/p>\n

      Today\u2019s poets, too, are full of questions\u2026 To make sure those questions don\u2019t echo as cries of despair or ellipses of confusion, the answers must be found in one\u2019s own work \u2014 in the poetic movement forward, in the lifelong urge to share the rhythms of one\u2019s heart. Perhaps that\u2019s the secret of Arsennieva\u2019s timeless poetry.<\/p>\n

      Here are lines from Natalia Arsennieva\u2019s very first poetry collection:<\/p>\n

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      In the blue sky, there is no grief,<\/em>
      the kind that slowly smothers all,<\/em>
      under the blue sky, everything feels different \u2014<\/em>
      life seems bright as dreams,<\/em>
      so unknown, wondrous, soaring,<\/em>
      a life of inspiration\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

      Everyone present at the celebration drew from this elevated poetry a sense of that very inspiration \u2014 and the confidence that “in the blue skies of the immortal, endless light will flow” and reach even this difficult moment, that even our own window will be lit by the sun again.<\/p>\n

      Natalia wrote this poem when she was just 17 \u2014 in spring.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

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      \u0424\u043e\u0442\u0430 \u0437 \u0446\u044b\u0440\u044b\u043c\u043e\u043d\u0456\u0456: \u0410\u043b\u044f\u043a\u0441\u0430\u043d\u0434\u0440 \u0414\u0440\u0430\u0433\u0430\u0432\u043e\u0437.<\/p>\n

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      The Natalia Arsennieva Prize is organized by PEN Belarus and the International Union of Belarusian Writers, both committed to supporting and developing the Belarusian literary tradition. This year\u2019s partners included the Estate of Vitaut Kipel<\/em> Foundation and the Belarusian Charitable Trust. The Belarusian Youth Hub supported and hosted the award ceremony as an official partner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Photo report from the Natallia Arsiennieva Award ceremony. Photo by: Aliaksandr Dragavoz. The Natallia Arsiennieva Award is the most prestigious poetry prize in the Belarusian language. It serves not only as an incentive for poets to pursue new creative discoveries, but also as a way to amplify their voices\u2014especially in a time when many are<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":117,"featured_media":16826,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4093],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-creative-projects"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/117"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16825"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20645,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16825\/revisions\/20645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/penbelarus.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}