On 18 May, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Latvia announced the contest for the Balts’ Award 2020.
The aim of the Balts’ Award is to recognize the excellence and achievements related to individual contribution and accomplishment in promotion of Lithuanian-Latvian and Latvian-Lithuanian translations, teaching and enhancing the use of Lithuanian and Latvian languages, research on the Lithuanian and Latvian tangible and intangible cultural and historic heritage, as well as investigative journalism on Lithuanian and Latvian history, culture and tourism.
In accordance with the Regulation on the Balts’ Award, both – persons and institutions, which have contributed to the above mentioned areas, can be nominated for the Award.
The Jury’s decision on a winner will be made in August of 2020. The winner of the Balts’ Award 2020 will be announced in early autumn and the Award presented by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Latvia in a ceremony held in Latvia.
The Balts’ Award of 3000 euros is annual, receiving equal contributions from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Latvia. The Jury of the Award consists of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Latvia as well as independent language, literature and history experts from both countries.
The first Balts’ Award was symbolically presented in 2018 when Latvia and Lithuania celebrated the Centenaries. The first Balts’ Award has been granted to the professor and linguist Laimute Balode. In 2019 the award has been granted to professor Alvydas Butkus.
The Award candidates for 2020 can be nominated until 30 June 2020.
The applications and the Curriculum Vitaes of nominees from Lithuania should be submitted in English to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania by e-mail urm@urm.lt, or by post to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, J. Tumo-Vaižganto g. 2, LT-01511, Vilnius with reference to “Balts’ Award”.
The applications and Curriculum Vitaes of nominees from Latvia should be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in English by e-mail to mfa.cha@mfa.gov.lv or by post to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, K. Valdemāra iela 3, Rīga, LV-1395 with reference to “Balts’ Award”.
In case of any further information required, please do not hesitate to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania (urm@urm.lt or +370 5 236 2444) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia (mfa.cha@mfa.gov.lv or +371 6 7016 201).
Please find the Regulation on the Balts’ Award and the Application Form: