Award

Prehistory: 

During its 16-year history, Chytomo has been and continues to be at the forefront of media that covers the most distinguished names, phenomena and trends in book publishing and literature. Our team has always strived to highlight prominent figures and projects that shaped the trajectory for the further development of the entire sphere. These figures inspired and united us, setting the stage for methodical, enduring, and efficient work.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began with the occupation of Ukrainian economic and cultural spaces long before 2014 and later escalated into war, prompted many cultural figures to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine, territorial defense units, or to start volunteering. At the same time, this situation placed an increased responsibility on the cultural community for advocacy, public diplomacy, and a consistent cultural and media presence.

During the blackouts and missile strikes, with everyday sounds of air raid sirens and experiencing painful losses, Ukrainian publishers, authors, editors, translators, and cultural managers have made enormous efforts to continue telling the world the truth, destroying imperial myths and unveiling the essence of Ukraine through books and literature.

That’s why, despite the ongoing war, Chytomo is launching the first award to recognize the professionalism, persistence, and achievements of figures in the field of literature and book publishing in Ukraine.

The award and the achievements it will recognize are possible thanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and those who continue to fight on the frontline for our independence.

Organizer: the Chytomo Cultural and Publishing Project NGO.

Award Purpose: The purpose of the Award is to recognize outstanding achievements of Ukrainian book publishing and literary figures, in particular their contribution to the social development and restoration of Ukraine, and to make them even more visible.

Who can be nominated:

Legal entities and individuals (citizens of Ukraine and foreigners) may be nominated for the Award:

• Publishing houses and publishing companies,
• Bookstores and book distributors,
• Libraries,
• Creative companies,
• State institutions and cultural institutions,
• Public organizations and creative associations,
• Cultural managers and experts in the book and literary industry.

Who can nominate candidates for the Award: Ukrainian and foreign organizations that have been operating for at least one year, are visible in the public domain, and have an active website and/or social media page:

• Cultural institutions and embassies in Ukraine and from abroad;
• Public associations
• Law firms with a relevant profile;
• Public and creative unions (public unions are NGOs)
• Educational institutions
• Library institutions and associations;
• Media editors;
• Representatives of informal associations of civic activists.

Time frame: The Award is granted for achievements during the calendar year preceding the date of the competition announcement. If the Award is held more than one year after the previous award, it will be granted for the period from the announcement of the competition for the previous year’s Award to the announcement of the current Award.

Timeline

Announcement of the competition: Oct. 6, 2025

Accepting applications for nominations: Oct. 6 – 31, 2025

Announcement of the shortlist: Jan. 2026.

Award ceremony of the Award winners: Jan. – Feb. 2026.

For more information about contest conditions, see Regulations on the Chytomo Award for Outstanding Achievements in Publishing

Application form