Literature Wales has announced that John Lewis, Cardiff will be one of the main sponsors of Wales Book of the Year 2011. The annual Wales Book of the Year prizes are awarded to the best Welsh language and English language works in the fields of creative writing and literary criticism.
Chris Earnshaw, Managing Director of John Lewis said:
“Since opening our first store in Wales, we have welcomed customers from all parts of the country and connecting with readers in Wales is vital in this. The John Lewis Partnership is delighted to be working with Academi on this prestigious award for writing in Wales.”
The dates for the Wales Book of the Year 2011 have been announced by Literature Wales:
• Wednesday13 April 2011, Long List announced
• Thursday 19 May 2011, Short List announced simultaneously at two separate events held at Galeri Caernarfon and John Lewis’ Espresso Bar, Cardiff
• Thursday 7 July 2011, Winners announced, Cineworld, Cardiff
The awards, worth £10,000 to the winners, are presented to the best books of the year in the English and Welsh language.
The English language judges are: writer and editor, Francesca Rhydderch (chair); fiction writer and winner of Wales Book of the Year 2009 Deborah Kay Davies; and author and journalist Jon Gower. The Welsh-language judging panel are Simon Brooks, Gerwyn Wiliams and Kate Crockett.
Francesca Rhydderch, Chair of the English-language judges commented:
“For a small country, Wales continues to produce a staggering number and variety of new books year on year. The Wales Book of the Year Award is a wonderful opportunity to draw attention to the best of these, and to celebrate the sophistication, wit and scope of Wales’ English-language writers.”
Peter Finch, Literature Wales Chief Executive said:
“The Wales Book of the Year Awards show just what Wales can achieve in its pre-eminent art. If you haven’t read any of the listed titles then now is the time to begin.”
The Wales Book of the Year is administered by Literature Wales and funded by the Arts Council of Wales through its income from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Last year’s English language award winner was Philip Gross for his collection of poems I Spy Pinhole Eye (Cinnamon).
