Vick Foundation

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The Vick Foundation was established by Edward Vick (founder of EVS Translations) in February 2004 to award an annual prize for best Bulgarian novel. Vick's initiative was acclaimed by those who saw in the prize a new opportunity for the Bulgarian literature after almost 15 years of standstill. There is also a competition for the most popular short-listed book, based on votes cast by the general public. In 2008, the award will celebrate its 5th year anniversary and the Foundation is on the path to becoming an instituition in Bulgaria.

A permanent committee, which includes Stefan Danailov, the current Minister of Culture of Bulgaria, elects а competent jury. The jury changes each year and they select a short list of six Bulgarian novels from which the winner is chosen. The jury in 2008 has been selected and one of the member is Meglena Kuneva, the current European commissioner in Bulgaria.

The winning author receives a cash award of BGN 10,000, with the option of a free translation of the novel into English. The aim of the foundation is also to enable others to gain access into Bulgarian literature, especially for the literary world beyond Bulgaria.

Amazonkata na Varoe (Varoe’s Amazon) by Prof. Boyan Biolchev, Sofia University Rector, was the 2006 Vick Prize Winner.

The award ceremony each year is a spectacle to behold. Well-attended by members of Bulgarian society and journalist, it is covered by TV channels in Bulgaria and causes quite a media furor annually. KariZa and other well-known performers have graced the stages during the award ceremony and the ceremonies are known to be of much entertainment value. The award ceremony has been referred to the Oscars of Bulgaria by members of the media.