The Organizing Committee of the 61st Kočić Gathering has announced a competition for the awarding of the prestigious literary recognition, the “Kočić Award,” for 2026.
The competition represents one of the central pillars of this traditional event, which for decades has celebrated the life and work of Petar Kočić, while advocating the preservation of the spirit of freedom and the purity of language.
The “Kočić Award” is presented to a distinguished writer for their overall literary oeuvre written in the Serbian language, including short stories, drama, novels, poetry, essays and translation. The main criteria guiding the jury in the selection process will be the recognizable Kočić spirit of freedom, the purity and fullness of the Serbian language, as well as the high aesthetic artistic value of the submitted works, the Association of Writers of Republika Srpska announced.
The status of one of the most significant literary recognitions in this region is best confirmed by the names of its previous laureates. Last year, the award was unanimously presented to the distinguished writer Gojko Đogo. The year before, in 2024, the recognition was awarded to academician and leading Serbian poet Matija Bećković, while the 2023 laureate was the prominent poet of Herzegovinian roots, Đorđo Sladoje.
The right to nominate candidates for the award belongs to writers’ associations, publishers, libraries, educational, cultural and scientific institutions in the field of Serbian language and literature, as well as individuals from the territory of Republika Srpska and the Republic of Serbia.
Proposals must be submitted exclusively in written form, with a detailed explanation. The deadline for submission is July 25, 2026.
All applications should be sent by post to: Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, Trg Republike Srpske 1, 78000 Banja Luka, with the mandatory note: “For the Organizing Committee of the 61st Kočić Gathering (Kočić Award).”
The laureate will receive the award ceremonially at the central academy held as part of the 61st Kočić Gathering.
Source: RTRS
