Dutch Literature Prize for Leonard Nolens.

The Flemish poet and diarist Leonard Nolens (Bree, 11 April 1947) has received this year's Dutch Literature Prize. It is the most prestigious prize in Dutch-language literature. The award includes a cash prize of €40,000.

Two important ‘Collected poems’ published

The work of Flemish poets Leonard Nolens and Charles Ducal up until now has recently been published in two volumes of poems.

Paul Bogaert wins 2010-2011 Culture Prize for Poetry

The various prestigious prizes the Flemish Community awards are quality labels and acknowledge the cultural importance of the work of the laureates. They also serve to stimulate the various cultural disciplines and increase cultural awareness. Starting with the 2010 - 2011 season, the Flemish Culture Prizes are spotlighting the various sectors in a new style, with presentations at sector events. On Tuesday 8 November, at the Antwerp Book Fair the 2010-2011 Culture Prize for Poetry was awarded to Paul Bogaert for his collection 'de Slalom soft' [The Slalom Soft].

Hubert van Herreweghen on Poetry International Web

In its first November issue, the international poetry website Poetry International Web focused on the work of one of the oldest living poets in Flanders, Hubert van Herreweghen (°1920).

Flemish poets at 'Flachlandfest' in Berlin

From August 27 to August 29, the German poetry lover will welcome a number of young Flemish and Dutch poets at the arts party 'Flachlandfest'. There will also be Flemish musicians present, Mintzkov and The Bony King of Nowhere for instance.

Belgian poetry at ‘Poesie der Nachbarn'

‘Poesie der Nachbarn' has become very renowned in Germany over the past twenty years. Every year, German poet Hans Till invites a selection of poets from a specific country to stay at the writers' residence in Edenkoben. Together with some German-language colleagues, he then works on translations of their work during a two-day workshop. This year, the focus is on Belgian poetry .

International readership for Hadewijch

On 14 and 15 June, a translation workshop about thirteenth-century poet Hadewijch took place in Antwerp. Six translators of the Brabant mystic travelled in from Germany, France, Hungary and Spain to tackle her work during two days. Hadewijch is not unknown outside the Dutch-language territory. In academic circles in Belgium as well as internationally, she is considered an icon in the study of medieval, female spirituality. In the following years, a broader readership will be able to discover her poetic and spiritual talents. Translations of her collected works into French, German and Spanish have been announced.

Peter Theunynck in the picture on Poetry International Web

In its February issue, the international poetry website Poetry International Web will focus on Flemish poet Peter Theunynck. Willem Groenewegen translated a selection from a number of poetry collections into English, amongst others the poem ‘Nijlpaarden' ('Hippopotami') from the prize-winning collection ‘Man in Manhattan'. Poet, critic and editor Kurt De Boodt wrote a portrait of the writer.

Paul Bogaert wins Herman de Coninck Award

‘Slalom soft', the fourth volume by Paul Bogaert, is the winner of the Herman de Coninck Award for the best poetry collection of 2009. The prize is worth 6,000 euro. The other nominees were Eva Cox, Charles Ducal, Leonard Nolens and Roel Richelieu Van Londersele.

 

The prize for the best debut of the past year went to ‘Grote smerige vlinder' (Big filthy butterfly) by Andy Fierens. ‘Mats' by the former city poet of Ghent, Roel Richelieu Van Londersele, was chosen by the public as the best poem of 2009.

Nominations Herman de Coninck Award 2010

The shortlist of the Herman de Coninck Award 2010 has been announced. The expert jury has nominated the following poets: Paul Bogaert, Eva Cox, Charles Ducal, Leonard Nolens and Roel Richelieu van Londersele. The award ceremony will take place in the Antwerp Arenberg theatre on 28 January.