Namibia’s Bank Windhoek and Doek! Magazine have launched a new prize. The Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards honor the finest work by four Namibian contributors published in any issue of Doek!, in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art.

As stated in the press release, the award is a key part of “Doek!’s mission to foster an active, engaged, critical, and robust literary community in the country” and is expected to bring both national and global visibility to the winners and their work.

The winners will receive 5000 NAD (about 350 USD) and a trophy. In addition to the cash prize, the winners will also get the chance to receive professional support in the form of publication opportunities, attendance at literary festivals, mentorship opportunities, residencies and more.

An independent judging panel will select the winners from writers published in Doek!’s first six issues spanning August, 2019 to July, 2021. The announcement of the winners will take place at a gala hosted in the nation’s capital Windhoek in November 20201.

The award brings together two significant institutions in Namibia. Bank Windhoek, a major financial institution in the country, “has always been a prominent and active supporter of Namibian art and artists.” Doek! is Namibia’s first literary magazine and continues to set the bar high. This award initiative is an impressive addition to the increasingly notable milestones attained by Doek! since its founding barely two years ago. In this relatively short time, the magazine has released six well-received issues, published a Caine Prize-shortlisted story, and was named Brittle Paper’s Literary Platform of the Year.

 

KEY DATES

July 1, 2021: announcement of the judges and the commissioned Namibian artist.
August 2, 2021: announcement of the the Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards’ trophy
concept and design.
September 1, 2021: announcement of the shortlists.

November 2021: The Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards gala dinner (date and venue to
be announced later).

Follow this link to see more details on rules and eligibility.