The Institute of Translation

The Institute of Translation, an autonomous, not-for-profit organization established in the Russian Federation in 2011, promotes and supports the translation of Russian literature into other languages and foreign literary works into Russian.

The Institute’s main activities include:

• supporting innovative academic and educational programs devoted to the history, theory and practice of literary translation for both Russian and foreign students specializing in Russian philology;
• providing material and other forms of support to Russian and foreign translators and publishers working in the field of literary translation, including access to literary archives, museums and libraries; consultations with relevant Russian specialists; and opportunities to participate in conferences and seminars in Russia; and
• creating and maintaining databases of translations and translators of fiction, poetry, drama and works of literary criticism.

The Institute also awards an annual prize for Russian literary translation, Read Russia (Читай Россию).

Read Russia Annual Prize for Russian Literary Translation
The Institute of Translation’s annual prize, Read Russia (Читай Россию), recognizes outstanding translations of Russian literature and poetry published by a foreign publisher within two years of their nomination. The prize is awarded in four categories:

• modern prose (written after 1990)
• modern poetry (written after 1990)
• classical and 20th-century prose (through 1990)
• classical and 20th-century poetry (through 1990)

There are two winners in each category: the translator(s) and the publisher of the translation. Translators receive an award of 5000 euros, and publishers receive a grant of 3000 euros to support the translation of another Russian literary work selected in agreement with the Institute of Translation. Winners also receive an award certificate and a commemorative medal.

Download the Institute of Translation brochure