Shortlist Amarte Literature Prize 2026

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 Prize
The 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.