Literary and human rights prizes announced

The Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello

Villa Decius Association announces the call for applications for the 10th Polish Prize of Sergio Vieira de Mello, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2002-2003). Applications must be completed and submitted online latest June 30, 2013. 

In the near suburbs of the city of Krakow, the Villa Decius Association has its seat in the magnificent 16th century classical Villa Decius. It is a temporary creative residence to writers, translators of literature and literary critics from all over the world, and the place where ICORN guest writers are hosted when they are invited to stay and work in Krakow. 

A non-governmental cultural institution, established in 1995 to foster dialogue between European intellectuals and to encourage the ideals of democratic thinking and integration, The Villa Decius Association initiated the Prize in 2003. It is awarded to individuals and organizations from all over the world with the aim of promoting human rights, democracy and tolerance. 

The Award Committee is composed of High Representatives of: the President of the Republic of Poland; Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Poland; Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Poland; UN High Commissioner for Refugees; Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Polish Commissioner for Civil Rights Protection; Embassies, Consulates and Foundations supporting actions of the Villa Decius Association in matters related to human rights; Founders of the Prize; Chairman and Director of the Villa Decius Association. 

Results will be announced on August 17 at the official ceremony at the Villa Decius during the international conference. More information about the Villa Decius Association and the prize application.   

Manchester Poetry and Fiction Prizes

The Manchester Writing School at MMU (Manchester Metropolitan University) is launching the next Manchester Poetry and Fiction Prizes – a major international literary competition celebrating excellence in creative writing. Both prizes are open internationally to new and established writers aged 16 or over. There is a £17 entry fee and the deadline for entries is Friday 30th August 2013. 

The prizes will be awarded at a gala ceremony hosted as part of the 2013 Manchester Literature Festival on Friday 18th October. 

The Manchester Poetry Prize 2013 
The Manchester Poetry Prize will award a cash prize of £10,000 to the writer of the best poems submitted. All entrants are asked to submit a portfolio of three to five poems, which can be on any subject, and written in any style, but must be new work, not previously published, or submitted for consideration elsewhere during this competition. 

First prize £10,000 
Chair: Adam O\'Riordan 
Judges: Carcanet poets Bernard O\'Donoghue and Fiona Sampson 

The Manchester Fiction Prize 2013 
The Manchester Fiction Prize will award a cash prize of £10,000 to the writer of the best fiction submitted. All entrants are asked to submit a story of up to 2,500 words in length. The story may be on any subject, and written in any style, but must be fiction and new work, not previously published or submitted for consideration elsewhere.
 
First Prize £10,000 
Chair: Nicholas Royle 
Judges: Alison Moore and Robert Shearman 

For further details, to enter online, or to download a printable entry form for postal submission go to Manchester Writing Competition or contact James Draper to order a printed entry pack: +44 (0)161 247 1787 or j.draper@mmu.ac.uk.