Katarzyna Kotynska Awarded the 2023 Drahomán Prize

Polish translator Katarzyna Kotynska was named the 2023 laureate of the Drahomán Prize, which honors translators from Ukrainian into world languages. The announcement was made on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day, during a solemn ceremony held at the 'Sens' bookstore in Kyiv.

Katarzyna Kotynska, a translator from Ukrainian into Polish, has been nominated by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Poland for her translation of Oksana Zabuzhko's book, 'The Longest Journey' (Komora, 2023). Since 2023, she has led the Department of Ukrainian Studies at the Institute of East Slavic Philology of the Jagiellonian University. Kotyńska is also a winner of the ANGELUS award, which recognizes translators in the Angelus Central European Literary Award. She won for her translation of Oksana Zabuzhko's novel 'Museum of Abandoned Secrets' in 2013. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for the 'Gaude Polonia' program, class of 2023.

"Thanks to everyone who helped me along the way. Although a translator might appear to work alone in his or her office, managing everything independently, it's the people who provide texts, offer suggestions, engage in discussions, and add countless notes that truly make a difference. I am grateful to everyone who debated with me, to all my students, and to my Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian friends who have always been supportive. I hope we have many more such adventures ahead, because immersing myself in both new and old Ukrainian literary texts is the most thrilling journey I can imagine for myself for many years to come," said Katarzyna Kotynska, the award-winning Polish translator.

The award was presented to Katarzyna Kotynska by Volodymyr Sheiko, General Director of the Ukrainian Institute. He said, "The work of translators from Ukrainian into the languages of the world makes Ukrainian culture more visible and significant. It builds bridges between countries and improves the world’s understanding of Ukrainians. Ukraine and Poland share common goals and a vision for the future, and that is why I am pleased to award Katarzyna Kotynska. Her many years of work with Ukrainian authors, including translating important voices of our time, are invaluable for strengthening the connection between our two countries."

The winner of the Drahomán Prize, Katarzyna Kotynska, received a statuette made by Ukrainian sculptor Anna Zvyagintseva and a cash prize of €3,000 (taxes included).

"The culture that encounters the translated word is enriched by these translations. Now, Ukrainian culture reveals to the world what it does not know about itself. It fills significant gaps in global culture - gaps that herald truths not yet known to the world. Many thanks to all the nominees for the Drahoman Prize; they help Ukraine’s voice be heard in different parts of the world," said Volodymyr Yermolenko, philosopher, writer, and president of PEN Ukraine.

"I sincerely thank you, dear translators, for your skill and dedicated work, which opens Ukraine to the world, introduces new Ukrainian names and voices, and expands literary pathways, especially now during Russia's war in Ukraine, when every voice matters. You are bridges to new cultures and literary researchers whose work cannot be overestimated. We truly believe that your contributions will become increasingly visible and appreciated each year, and in turn, we will make every effort to support your work," added Olena Odynoka, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian Book Institute.

The host of the evening was writer and journalist Olena Huseinova, while the Ukrainian band Ukiez provided musical accompaniment for the ceremony.

We would like to remind that the shortlist for the 2023 Drahomán Prize also included Eero Balk, a translator from Ukrainian to Finnish, for his translation of Serhii Rudenko's book 'Battle for Kyiv', and Mikael Nydahl, a translator from Ukrainian to Swedish, for his translation of Artur Dron's poetry collection 'We Were Here'.

Raul Chilachava, a translator from Ukrainian into Georgian, received a special distinction from the award for 'building Ukrainian-Georgian cultural bridges.' In 2023, three Ukrainian books translated by Raul Chilachava were published in Georgia: 'Oformlyandia, or a Walk in the Zone' by Markiyan Kamysh; an anthology titled 'Dictionary of War,' which features Ukrainian authors writing about war; and 'My Thoughts...' by Taras Shevchenko.

Sixteen translators who specialize in translating from Ukrainian to languages such as English, Italian, Polish, Georgian, Finnish, Swedish, Japanese, Romanian, Turkish, Arabic, and Bulgarian were nominated for the 2023 Drahomán Prize. Applications were received from 13 countries, including Finland, Italy, Georgia, Japan, Romania, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam, Bulgaria, India, the USA, Sweden, and Egypt.

The Drahomán Prize was established in 2020 by the Ukrainian Institute, Ukrainian PEN, and the Ukrainian Book Institute. This award aims to support and recognize the collaborative efforts of translators from Ukrainian into world languages. It is granted for outstanding translation skills and contributions to the promotion of Ukrainian literature abroad.

The winners of the award in previous years include Iryna Dmytryshyn, a translator from Ukrainian into French (2022); Bohdan Zadura, a translator from Ukrainian into Polish, writer, and literary critic (2021); and Claudia Date, a translator from Ukrainian into German (2020).

The shortlist and the winner of the Prize are determined by the 9-member Capitula, which includes reputable writers, translators, language and literary scholars, and cultural managers. Due to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, the stages of the competition and the Prize ceremony were postponed, prompting an extension of the Capitula’s duties for one year. The 2023 edition of the Capitula features: Volodymyr Yermolenko, writer, journalist, philosopher, and President of PEN Ukraine; Volodymyr Sheiko, General Director of the Ukrainian Institute; Oleksandra Koval, Director of the Ukrainian Book Institute; Ola Hnatiuk, researcher and professor at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy and the University of Warsaw, also an Advisor to the President of PEN Ukraine; Ostap Slyvynsky, poet, translator, and Vice-President of PEN Ukraine; Valentyna Stukalova, manager of book and intellectual projects at the Institut français; Yuriy Prokhasko, translator; Marco-Robert Stech, a Ukrainian and Canadian literary critic and writer, member of the Executive Board of PEN Ukraine; Iryna Starovoyt, literary critic, poet, and translator.

The Ukrainian Institute is a public institution affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Its mission is to strengthen Ukraine's international and domestic presence as a distinct entity through cultural diplomacy. The institute promotes international connections between individuals and institutions, creating opportunities for Ukrainians to engage and collaborate globally.

PEN Ukraine is a cultural and human rights NGO that unites Ukrainian intellectuals - writers, journalists, scholars, publishers, translators, human rights defenders, and cultural managers. With 163 members, it ranks among the 146 national centers of PEN International and co-founded the Vasyl Stus Prize, the Yuri Shevelyov Prize, and the George Gongadze Prize.

The Ukrainian Book Institute, a government entity affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, is tasked with developing state policy in the book sector. Its mission includes promoting reading, supporting publishing, fostering translation activities, and popularizing Ukrainian literature abroad.