Baltic Assembly Prize
Prize for Literature, the Arts and Science
The idea on establishment of the Baltic Assembly Prize was conceived in 1992. The establishment of the Baltic Prize was inspired by the tradition of the Nordic Council Prizes. On 31 October 1993 in Tallinn, Resolution on the Establishment of the Baltic Assembly Prizes in Culture, Arts and Science was adopted. Main aim of establishment of the Prizes was to "promote further cooperation among the three nations, provide new opportunities for exchanging cultural values and stimulate better understanding of the history and cultural heritage of the countries".
The aim of the Prize is to support outstanding achievements in literature, the arts and science; demonstrate the common interests of the countries in this region in upholding of their national identity and self-esteem; create an opportunity to learn about the achievements of the neighbouring countries; maintain a continuous interest among the people in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania about developments in the Baltic States; strengthen cooperation among the Baltic States in the fields of literature, the arts and science; encourage more and more people to become interested in the intellectual values and languages of the Baltic nations; and raise the level of literature, the arts and science in the Baltic States.
The Baltic Assembly Prize for Literature shall be awarded annually to an author for a novel, a play, a collection of poems, short stories or essays, or any similar written composition in Estonian, Latvian or Lithuanian. The work must have been published for the first time within the past five years.
The Baltic Assembly Prize for the Arts shall be awarded annually either to an author or to a performer for a work of art or a series of works presented (performed before an audience) within the past three years in fine arts, applied arts, in music, architecture, theatre or cinema. It also may be awarded to a director, soloist, actor, ballet artist or a group of artists for outstanding artistic achievement accomplished within the past three years.
The Baltic Assembly Prize for Science shall be awarded annually to an author for outstanding research work or series of works in the humanities, social or natural sciences, which is of international importance, has a considerable impact on the Baltic region and has been published within the past five years.
Statuettes of the Baltic Assembly Prize
National and Joint Juries of the Baltic Assembly Prizes
Nominees for the Baltic Assembly Prizes from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania shall be assessed by National Juries. The National Jury shall consist of at least nine people. The members of the National Jury shall be outstanding specialists in the fields of literature, the arts and science and shall be nominated by creative unions, academies of science, councils of science, or other institutions and organisations working in the field of literature, the arts and science. Decisions on the nomination of the works for the Joint Jury shall be made with an absolute majority.
The Joint Jury of the Baltic Assembly Prize shall consist of nine people. The works nominated for the Prizes in literature, the arts or science shall be assessed by the respective experts. Each country shall delegate three persons to the Joint Jury and determine the procedure for their selection. The members of the Joint Jury shall be outstanding specialists in the fields of literature, the arts and science. The Joint Jury shall make its decisions and the reasoning thereof known to the public.
Nominating the work and awarding the Prizes
Portfolio and works with all the necessary information (the curriculum vitae of a nominee, reviews, at least two letters of recommendation and other relevant materials) shall be submitted to the relevant National Jury in accordance with the regulations of the competition prior to 1 June. The relevant National Jury shall assess submitted works and nominate the best work from the fields of literature, the arts and science for international competition judged by the Joint Jury. The Joint Jury shall convene for the meeting not later than one month prior to the annual Session of the Baltic Assembly. The same person (group of persons) may not receive the Prize more than once.
The Prize consists of a monetary prize, a certificate and a statuette, which are awarded annually during the Session of the Baltic Assembly. Latest amendments to the Regulations on the Baltic Assembly Prizes for Literature, the Arts and Science were adopted on 29 November 2019 in Riga, Latvia.
Baltic Assembly Prize in 2024
Literature
Rein Raud , nominated for his novel “Katkurong” (“The Plague Train,” 2023)
The arts
Dāvis Sīmanis, nominated for the film “Maria’s Silence,” a Latvian-Lithuanian co-production and Berlin International Film Festival award winner
Science
Limas Kupčinskas, nominated for his significant contributions to clinical and fundamental research in the field of digestive and liver diseases
© Photos by Seimo kanceliarijos: Ilona Šilenkova, Olga Posaškova
Baltic Assembly Prize 1994-2023
➤ 2023
Literature
Antanas A. Jonynas, nominated for the collection of sonnets “Naujieji sonetai”
The arts
Peeter Laurits, nominated for his outstanding and versatile work as an artist and for his project “Biotoopia”
Science
Arnolds Laimonis Klotiņš, nominated for his monographs “Mūzika pēckara staļinismā: Latvijas mūzikas dzīve un jaunrade 1944-1953 (Music in Post-war Stalinism: Latvian Music Life and Creativity 1944-1953)” Rīga: LU FMI, 2018 and “Mūzika bēgļu gaitās: Latviešu mūzikas dzīve un jaunrade pēckara Eiropā 1944-1951 (Music in Exodus: Latvian Musical Life and Creative Work in Post-war Europe 1944-1951)” Rīga: LU LFMI, 2022
➤ 2022
Literature
Kai Aareleid, prosaist and poetess, nominated for her novel “Vaikne ookean” (“Pacific Ocean’’, published in 2021)
The arts
Šarūnas Sauka, painter, nominated for the unique iconography of paintings, principles of painting, which are closely related to surrealism and magical realism, for his phantasmagorical nightmare visions and hallucinations, which are rooted in reality, fed by biblical and literary visual images of hell, paradise, and purgatory, which have evolved through the history of fine arts
Science
PhD. Gustavs Strenga, Dr. hist. Andris Levāns, Mg.philol., Mag.art. Renāte Berga, Mg.hum Laura Kreigere-Liepiņa nominated for the collective monograph “Rīgas jezuītu kolēģijas grāmatu krājuma (1583-1621) katalogs. Krājuma vesture un rekonstrukcija”, (“Catalogue of the Riga Jesuit College Book Collection (1583-1621): History and Reconstruction of the Collection”) (2021)
➤ 2021
Literature
Vahur Afanasjev (Laanoja), writer, nominated for his novel “Serafima ja Bogdan” (“Serafima and Bogdan”, published in 2017)
The arts
Ginta Gerharde-Upeniece, nominated for the direction of the international exhibition project “Wild Souls. Symbolism in the Art of the Baltic States”
Science
Virginijus Šikšnys, nominated for exceptional achievements in biomedical sciences – pioneering research in CRISPR-Cas9 Genome editing
➤ 2020
Literature
Birutė Jonuškaitė, novelist, poet and essayist, nominated for her novel cycle "Maranta" and "Maestro", which belong with the long, branched-out texts that weave numerous storylines and created detailed characters, which possess the versatility and depth of the classic canon, and which raise the language to the appropriate heights also for the hefty book of conversations "Laikas ir likimai" ("Time and Destiny")
The arts
Kristīne Briede and Audrius Stonys, directors, nominated for meditative documentary essay "Bridges of Time" (2018), which was co-produced by Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian studios and portrays the less-remembered generation of cinema poets of the Baltic New Wave
Science
Roberts Eglītis, Member of the Latvian Academy of Science, nominated for work cycle: "Theoretical predictions of new materials for energy storage and harvesting"
➤ 2019
Literature
Leelo Tungal, writer, nominated for her autobiographic trilogy "Comrade Kid" (Tänapäev, 2018), with a special emphasis on the last book of the series "A Woman’s Touch" (Tänapäev, 2018), where Stalin’s era is depicted through the eyes of a child
The arts
Normunds Šnē, conductor, nominated for the performance at the concert in honour of 100-year anniversary of the Baltic states in the prominent Baltic Sea Festival in Stockholm's Berwaldhallenon August 28, 2018, with Sinfonietta Rīga and Tallinn Chamber Orchestra
Science
Jūras Banys, nominated for his outstanding contribution to research and innovations in ferroelectricity and phase transition as well as his devout leadership and professional scientific achievements
➤ 2018
Literature
Gundega Repše, Latvia: for the idea and concept of the historical novel series “Us. Latvia. XX century”, the curating of the publication of 13 novels in the series, as well as for the novel “Bogene” as one of the novels in the series
The arts
Jurgita Dronina, Lithuania: for her impressive performances on the greatest stages of the world
Science
Els Heinsalu, Estonia: for her significant contribution in the theory of complex systems and stochastic processes
➤ 2017
Literature
Vladas Braziūnas, Lithuania: for his poetic discoveries made while delving into the Baltic worldview and the linguistic heritage of the Lithuanian, Latvian and other languages and as well as for his translations from Latvian and other languages and outstanding international projects on modern poetry.
The arts
Laima Slava, Latvia: for the excellent professional contribution to the theory development of the art science, as well as for the outstanding achievement in the book-publishing sector, especially in publishing of art books, which significantly have enriched the current cultural landscape and furthermore foster the international recognition of Latvian culture
Science
Andres Metspalu, Estonia: for his innovative, diverse and lasting contribution to gene technology and molecular diagnostics
➤ 2016
Literature
Sigitas Parulskis, Lithuania: for his latest creative work, his broad and sharp worldview, his ability to grasp fundamental issues and his contemporary poetics
The arts
Kristijonas Vildžiūnas, Estonia: for his film "Seneca’s Day", which is the first Estonian-Latvian-Lithuanian co-production project (2016)
Science
Maija Dambrova, Latvia: for her scientific work on energy metabolism and her contribution to research of the mechanisms of action of the metabolic drug meldonium
➤ 2015
Literature
Māris Bērziņš, Latvia: for his novel "The Taste of Lead" (2015)
The arts
Modestas Pitrėnas, Lithuania: for his creative endeavours to advance the idea of interaction amongst the cultures of all the three Baltic States and to further their cultural promotion on the European and global scale by conducting numerous plays and concerts in performance venues and theatres in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia
Science
Eva Clarita-Pettai and Vello Pettai, Estonia: for their monograph "Transitional and Retrospective Justice in the Baltic States"
➤ 2014
Literature
Peeter Sauter, Estonia: for his novel "Do Not Leave Me Alone" ("Ära jäta mind rahule") (2012)
The arts
Alvis Hermanis, Latvia: for his creative directorial achievements conducting numerous theatre plays and particularly theatre play "Oblomow" (2011)
Science
Vidas Gražulevičius, Lithuania: for his achievements in materials chemistry and engineering, for the active collaboration with the scientific partners from the Baltic States initiating and implementing research projects
➤ 2013
Literature
Donaldas Kajokas, Lithuania: for his poetry "To the deaf little donkey" (2011) and the novel "The Lake and its escorting persons" (2012)
The arts
Peeter Vähi, Estonia: for composing the Oratorio "Maria Magdalena" (2011) that is composed on gospel texts in original Coptic language
Science
Renāte Blumberga, Latvia: for the research carried out using both archive materials and information gathered on expeditions on the topic of the history and cultural history of the Liv people, the second titular nationality of Latvia
➤ 2012
Literature
Aivars Kļavis, Latvia: for his tetralogy "On the Other Side of the Gate" (Viņpus vārtiem, 1995-2012)
The arts
Visible Solutions LLC, Estonia: for the artistic achievements in integrating Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian art scenes into one arena of discussion
Science
Algis Petras Piskarskas, Lithuania: for his pioneering research in the field of laser physics and nonlinear optics, for development of innovative laser instruments and fruitful international collaboration in European area and world-wide
➤ 2011
Literature
Arvydas Juozaitis, Lithuania: for his book "Riga - No One's Civilization" (2011)
The arts
Andris Nelsons, Latvia: for his outstanding achievements in promoting the performing arts and creating a positive image of Latvia and the Baltic States in the world
Science
Andres Ilmar Kasekamp, Estonia: for his volume "History of the Baltic States" (2010)
➤ 2010
Literature
Ene Mihkelson, Estonia: for her collected poetry "Torn" ("Tower") (2010)
The arts
Antanas Žukauskas, Lithuania: for professionally communicating the past values in fine art, striking the right balance between the modern and the traditional, and for promoting the Baltic identity in the world
Science
Jānis Stradiņš, Latvia: for his book "The Beginnings of Science and Higher Education in Latvia" (2009)
➤ 2009
Literature
Inga Ābele, Latvia: for the novel "Paisums" ("Tide") (2008)
The arts
Marko Mäetamm, Estonia: for his high professional and successful exhibitions and achievements of the last years on the Baltic and international scene
Science
Leonardas Sauka, Lithuania: for his "Eglė Žalčių Karalienė" ("Eglė, Queen of Adders"), the fundamental study into the folklore heritage of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and other countries (Vol. 1-4, Vilnius: LLTI, 2007-2008), as the study strengthens the Baltic identity and enhances pride in the traditions of all the Baltic nations
➤ 2008
Literature
Knuts Skujenieks, Latvia: for his "Works" in eight volumes, which contain high-quality poetry of particular value, written in prison and in a camp for political prisoners in Mordovia, where poet as Soviet dissident, spent seven years
The arts
Petras Vyšniauskas, Lithuania: for the presentation of the Baltic Jazz in the world, fruitful and intensive activity, important to the stage of Baltic Jazz and other genres, work comprising concert tours, teaching, recording and the preparation of various projects
Science
Lembit Vaba, Estonia: for researcher of the Baltic Sea language space, of the ancient Baltic loan words in Baltic-Finnish languages. He has compiled the English-Estonian-Latvian-Lithuanian-Russian Dictionary (2005), mapped the Estonian-Latvian language border and rediscovered Estonian language enclaves in southern regions of Latvia
➤ 2007
Literature
Marcelijus Martinaitis, Lithuania: for his books "K.B. Suspected" (2004) and "Silent discourses" (2006)
The arts
Silvija Radzobe, Latvia: for her contribution to preparing the book "Theatre Production in the Baltic States" (2006), namely, for initiating, managing and executing this project
Science
Tarmo Soomere, Estonia: for his cycle of researches on analyses of ship waves in the Baltic Sea as a source of danger to the coastal environment
➤ 2006
Literature
Nora Ikstena, Latvia: for her book "The Undefined One" (2006), and for the unique collaboration with the Latvian poet Imants Ziedonis, as well as for humanism and the significant work in the field of culture
The arts
Andres Tali, Estonia: for his works that touch existential problems of human life, and in the shallowness and rush of today's world find time and place for the most human questions of loneliness and relations, truth and lie
Science
Gediminas Valkiūnas, Lithuania: for the monograph "Avian Malaria Parasites and Other Haemosporidia" and activities towards consolidation of links between parasitologists in the Baltic States and Scandinavian countries
➤ 2005
Literature
Hasso Krull, Estonia: for his collection of poetry "Meeter ja Demeeter" ("Metre and Demeter")
The arts
Vilnius String Quartet, Lithuania: for their particular understanding of cultural mission, consistent work and broad scope of their undertakings
Science
Ēvalds Mugurēvičs, Latvia: for his research on the medieval chronicles about Livonia
➤ 2004
Literature
Pēters Brūveris, Latvia: for his poetry book "The Landscape of Language" and publications during the past three years
The arts
Mindaugas Navakas, Lithuania: for promoting art processes in the Baltic States
Science
Arvo Krikmann, Estonia: for his empirical research on the cognitive theory of figurative language "The Contribution of Contemporary Theory of Metaphor to Paremiology" and for presenting a theoretical concept relating to the developments in the theory of metaphor
➤ 2003
Literature
Vytautas Bubnys, Lithuania: for his novel "In a Dove’s Flutter"
The arts
Jaan Toomik, Estonia: for his creative work as artist and organiser of art activities in recent years
Science
Elita Grosmane, Latvia: for her comprehensive scholarly monograph "Baroque Sculpture of Kurzeme: 1660-1740"
➤ 2002
Literature
Jaan Tatte, Estonia: for his plays "The Bridge and Happy Everyday!"
The arts
Biruta Baumane, Latvia: for her professional achievements demonstrated at a large-scale solo exhibition at the exhibition hall "Arsenāls" in 2002 and for her rich contribution to the development of painting, as well as for her autobiographical book "I Am Living" (2002)
Science
Algirdas Gaizutis, Lithuania: for his significant contribution to art research and a book of essays "A Glance" (2001)
➤ 2001
Literature
Justinas Marcinkevičius, Lithuania: for his recent lyrical poetry, particularly for the collection of poems "Carmina Minora"
The arts
Ilmārs Blumbergs, Latvia: for his creative achievements and originality of style presented in the set designs for Mozart’s "The Magic Flute" and the exhibition "Windows"
Science
Raimo Pullat, Estonia: for his research works dealing with the history of Estonia, the Baltic States and towns in the 18th century and in 1917-1941
➤ 2000
Literature
Jānis Rokpelnis, Latvia: for his collection of poems "Lyrics" (1999)
The arts
Veljo Tormis, Estonia: for his compositions during the past three years
Science
Silvestras Gaiziunas, Lithuania: for his scholarly work and activity in developing cultural ties among Baltic, Scandinavian and European nations
➤ 1999
Literature
Jaan Kross, Estonia: for his novel "Standstill Flight"
The arts
Mindaugas Bauzys, Lithuania: for the roles during the past three years which have revealed him as an artist-creator
Science
Janīna Kursīte, Latvia: for the publications during the past three years and a monograph on the mythical elements in Baltic folklore, literature and art
➤ 1998
Literature
Sigitas Geda, Lithuania: for the poetical metamorphoses during the past three years
The arts
Erkki-Sven Tuur, Estonia: for the musical creativity during the past three years
Science
Jānis Krastiņš, Latvia: for his achievements in researching Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture
➤ 1997
Literature
Jaan Kaplinski, Estonia: for the essays and poetry of the past three years
The arts
Gidons Krēmers, Latvia: for promoting the musical culture of the Baltic States throughout the world
Science
Rimute Rimantiene, Lithuania: for archaeological investigations on the history and art of the Baltic States
➤ 1996
Literature
Judita Vaičiūnaitė, Lithuania: for her poetry collection "Wreaths of Zemyna"
The arts
Pēteris Vasks, Latvia: for his Concerto for Cello and Symphony Orchestra, string music "Quasi una sonata" with piano solo, Third String Quartet and music for three poems of Czeslaw Milosz for a vocal group
Science
Juhan Maiste, Estonia: for research series on "The Classical Tradition in Estonian Art: 1530-1830"
➤ 1995
Literature
Uldis Bērziņš, Latvia: for his collections of poetry "Stepsounds of Insects", "Time" and "Poetry"
The arts
Peeter Mudist, Estonia: for paintings of the past two years
Science
Juozas Kulys, Lithuania: for his research series on biochemistry and biophysics
➤ 1994
Literature
Emil Tode, Estonia: for his novel "The Border Land"
The arts
Eimuntas Nekrosius, Lithuania: for his stage productions of recent years, in particular plays by Chekhov, Shakespeare, Pushkin and Gogol
Science
Andris Caune, Latvia: for research series on the history of Riga conducted in 1991-1994
