Jurga Ivanauskaitė Prize Awarded to Poet Vitalija Maksvytė
The Jurga Ivanauskaitė Prize is awarded to poet Vitalija Maksvytė for her significant literary contribution, showcasing a deep exploration of complex human experiences.
The Jurga Ivanauskaitė Prize, established in 2008, has been awarded to poet Vitalija Maksvytė this year for her book that exemplifies depth and thoughtfulness in poetry. The commission noted that her collection does not contain random poems; instead, it presents a cohesive and profound poetic whole, reflecting the evolving concepts of femininity and themes related to the body and memory. This recognition highlights Maksvytė's ability to write boldly and transparently about the most complex human experiences, a quality that resonates with the spirit of Ivanauskaitė's own work.
The prize is designated for authors under the age of 45 and is given for the best work of Lithuanian literature that embodies free, open, and courageous creative expression. Over the years, the prize has seen a solid list of laureates who are now influential in the Lithuanian literary scene. This year, a total of 14 books published in 2024-2025 were submitted for consideration, demonstrating a vibrant literary community eager to push boundaries in art and storytelling.
The jury for this year's award included notable figures such as writer and playwright Mindaugas Nastaravičius, who serves as the chairperson of the commission, alongside writer Akvilina Cicėnaitė and Ivanauskaitė's sister. Their collective expertise and prestigious backgrounds bring a high level of discernment to the selection process, ensuring that the award continues to highlight significant contributions to Lithuanian literature.