Hermann Kesten Prize (formerly Hermann Kesten Medal)
へるまん・けすてんしょう
A German literary award given for outstanding efforts to support persecuted writers.
Literary awardHuman rights and freedom of expression supportPEN award
- Established
- 1985
- Organizer
- PEN Centre Germany (PEN-Zentrum Deutschland) / Sponsored by: Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts
- Category
- Literature and General Literary Arts
- Selection Method
- Recommendation
- Target
- Professional
- Frequency
- 1 per year
- Status
- Active
Description
The Hermann Kesten Prize is an award presented by PEN Centre Germany to recognize outstanding contributions to supporting persecuted writers and advocating for freedom of expression. Established in 1985, it has been awarded annually since 1994. Since 2000, a prize of 10,000 euros has been provided under the sponsorship of the state of Hesse. The prize is named after the writer Hermann Kesten (1900–1996).
Prize
- Main Prize
- Prize money (€10,000)
- Cash Prize
- 10,000 EUR
- Honor (medal/commendation)
- Announcement of winner (PEN Centre Germany official website and award ceremony)
Selection
Selection Process
| Stage | Judges | Pass Rate | Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary selection (candidate selection) | PEN Centre Germany selection committee | — | Internal selection. Candidates are selected through PEN's internal announcements and official contacts. |
| Final selection and award decision | PEN Centre Germany representatives and selection committee | — | The winner is announced on the PEN Centre Germany official website and at the award ceremony. |
Preliminary selection (candidate selection)
Judges
PEN Centre Germany selection committee
Announcement
Internal selection. Candidates are selected through PEN's internal announcements and official contacts.
Final selection and award decision
Judges
PEN Centre Germany representatives and selection committee
Announcement
The winner is announced on the PEN Centre Germany official website and at the award ceremony.
Criteria
- Outstanding efforts in supporting persecuted writers
- Contributions to freedom of expression and human rights advocacy aligned with the International PEN Charter principles
- Continuous or influential track record of support
Related Awards
- Other PEN awards (by International PEN / national PEN centers)
- List of PEN literary awards
- German PEN Center awards