Five writers have been shortlisted for the inaugural Footnote x Counterpoints Writing Prize, for writers from refugee or migrant backgrounds.
The shortlisted writers are Sabrin Hasbun, Dariia Lysiuk (pictured), Roxana Shirazi, Steve Tasane and Simon Weisz.
The writers reflect on themes of displacement, identity and resistance both in the selected works and more broadly. The five shortlisted authors will read and discuss their work at a live event hosted by the Southbank Centre on 11th February as part of the literature spring season 2024.
The £15,000 prize was set up to showcase and celebrate exceptional non-fiction writers from refugee and migrant backgrounds, and to shine a new light on some of the most pertinent topics shaping our lives and society.
This event brings together the shortlisted authors ahead of the announcement of the winner and two runners-up in March, who are being selected by a judging panel comprising Elif Shafak, Philippe Sands and Dina Nayeri.
Footnote Press managing director Vidisha Biswas and Counterpoints Arts director Almir Koldzic will co-chair the panel.
Vidisha Biswas said: “We were thrilled to receive more than 100 submissions to our writing prize in its inaugural year. All of our readers, myself included, have been thoroughly impressed by the breadth and quality of the entries, and it has been a mammoth task to narrow these down to a shortlist of just five. From Palestine and Ukraine to Yorkshire and Tuscany, spanning generations and continents, these narratives encapsulate an incredible diversity of experience while simultaneously emphasising our common humanity.”
Almir Koldzic added: “Writers from displaced and migrant backgrounds have incredibly important perspectives to offer us; the perspectives that might be especially relevant now as we navigate our way through these challenging and divisive times. The submissions we have received this year show us just how powerful and resonant these voices can be, telling their stories with great skill, wisdom and humour.”
