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The shortlist for the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 has been announced! From the fifteen nominated titles on the longlist, the jury, comprising Fiep van Bodegom, Maxim Februari, Lars Meijer, Bibi Dumon Tak, and Wytske Versteeg (chair), has selected five titles eligible for the prize. The shortlist reflects books that are distinctive, inspiring, and push conventional boundaries, criteria central to the Amarte Literature Prize.The following titles have been nominated for the shortlist, listed alphabetically by title:Addertje – Jolanda Kooijmans (poetry)Kijk es naar al dat licht – Alara Adilow (novel)Korstmos – Rinske Bouwman (novel)Ons gaan allemaal – Benzokarim (poetry)Rouwdouwers – Falun Ellie Koos (novel)The winner of the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 will be announced during a private, celebratory ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, preceding Amarte Wonderland.About the Amarte Literature PrizeThe Amarte Literature Prize is awarded to a writer who, with support from the Amarte Fund, has completed a literary project. The prize includes a cash award of €15,000, an essayistic reflection on the winning book and a trophy, designed this year by visual artist Mickey Yang. The inaugural edition of the prize was awarded in 2024 to Julien Ignacio for his book Goudjakhals.

The Amarte Foundation warmly invites you to Amarte Wonderland, an evening celebrating the arts! Since 2019, over 2,500 artists have developed their craft with the support of Amarte. These makers have enriched the cultural landscape with remarkable projects that inspire and bring audiences together. A selection of these projects will be showcased during the third edition of Amarte Wonderland on May 12.Experience firsthand the diverse artistic disciplines and visions supported by the Amarte Fund over the years, from visual arts, theater, and performance to music, literature, and interdisciplinary projects.Club RAUM in Amsterdam will host this evening, where makers, partners, and enthusiasts come together. You are welcome from 7:00 PM.Admission is free, but registration is required via this link.We look forward to seeing you there!Date: 12 MayDoors open: from 19.00 (start programme: 19.30)Location: Club RAUM (Humberweg 3, Amsterdam)

With the PUSH scheme, the Amarte Fonds introduces a new initiative designed to give a group of makers an opportunity to advance their practice. Artists who have previously received support from the fund are invited by a selection committee to take their work to the next level.A grant of up to €20,000 can be used in a variety of ways, whether to realize an artistic project, conduct research, forge new collaborations, develop professional skills, or enhance international visibility. The PUSH scheme empowers makers to define their own path toward growth.This initiative is not open for applications; participation is by invitation only and depends on the available annual budget. The committee selects makers not only based on quality but mostly on the potential of the maker at this moment in their career.Curious to know who has already been given this opportunity? We will announce the first recipients shortly!

The longlist for the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 has been announced!The jury has selected fifteen titles eligible for the second edition of the prize. The longlist reflects a broad range of literary genres and voices, underscoring the expressive power, originality and urgency that lie at the heart of the Amarte Literature Prize.The following titles have been nominated for the longlist, listed alphabetically by title:Addertje – Jolanda Kooijmans (poetry)De buitengewoon geslaagde opvoeding van Frida Wolf – Maria Kager (novel)De eilanden van goed en kwaad – Adwin de Kluyver (literary non-fiction)Elders – Ilse Josepha Lazaroms (novel)Ik, de ander – Jante Wortel (novel)Kijk es naar al dat licht – Alara Adilow (novel)Kleine heilige dingen – Annemieke Dannenberg (novel)Korstmos – Rinske Bouwman (novel)Mensen als zonnen en mensen als manen – Xillan Macrooy (novel)Oerbos – Dore van Duivenbode (literary non-fiction)Ons gaan allemaal – Benzokarim (poetry)Rouwdouwers – Falun Ellie Koos (novel)Stad O. – Koen Caris (novel)The Great Marc Evers – Gemma Plum (graphic novel)Witte Paarden & Blauwzuur – Cees van den Boom (novel)The shortlist for the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 will be announced in April 2026. The jury, comprising writers Fiep van Bodegom, Maxim Februari, Lars Meijer, Bibi Dumon Tak and Wytske Versteeg (chair), will reveal the winner during a festive award ceremony in May 2026. The Amarte Literature Prize is awarded to a writer who has realised a literary project with the support of the Amarte Fund. The prize consists of a cash award of €15,000, an essayistic reflection on the winning book, and a trophy, designed this year by visual artist Mickey Yang. The first Amarte Literature Prize was awarded in 2024 to Julien Ignacio for his book Goudjakhals.Keep an eye on the website for the announcement of the shortlist!

In 2026, the Amarte Literature Prize will be awarded for the second time. With this prize, the Amarte Fund reaffirms its enduring commitment to the development and visibility of distinctive, urgent literature that transcends conventional boundaries and challenges both readers and fellow writers.The Amarte Literature Prize is intended for writers who have previously received a grant from the fund for the realisation of a book project. The prize consists of a cash award of €15,000 and an essayistic reflection on the winning book, written by an emerging talent within Dutch–Flemish literary criticism.The first edition of the Amarte Literature Prize was awarded in 2024 to Julien Ignacio for his book Goudjakhals. This marked the starting point of a prize that connects literary daring with artistic development and social relevance.We are proud to announce the jury of the Amarte Literature Prize 2026: Fiep van Bodegom, Maxim Februari, Lars Meijer, Bibi Dumon Tak, and Wytske Versteeg (chair). In mid-February 2026, the jury will present the longlist, followed by the shortlist at the end of April. The final winner will be announced during a festive award ceremony in May 2026.