The shortlist for the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 has been announced! From the fifteen nominated titles on the longlist, the jury, comprising Fiep van Bodegom, Maxim Februari, Lars Meijer, Bibi Dumon Tak, and Wytske Versteeg (chair), has selected five titles eligible for the prize. The shortlist reflects books that are distinctive, inspiring, and push conventional boundaries, criteria central to the Amarte Literature Prize.The following titles have been nominated for the shortlist, listed alphabetically by title:Addertje – Jolanda Kooijmans (poetry)Kijk es naar al dat licht – Alara Adilow (novel)Korstmos – Rinske Bouwman (novel)Ons gaan allemaal – Benzokarim (poetry)Rouwdouwers – Falun Ellie Koos (novel)About the Amarte Literature PrizeThe Amarte Literature Prize is awarded to a writer who, with support from the Amarte Fund, has completed a literary project. The prize includes a cash award of €15,000, a literary essay on the winning book and a trophy, designed this year by visual artist Mickey Yang. The inaugural edition of the prize was awarded in 2024 to Julien Ignacio for his book Goudjakhals.For the literary essay, Amarte, in collaboration with de lage landen, the leading cultural magazine that provides context and interpretation for literature, art, language, and history from Flanders and the Netherlands, will engage an emerging talent. This writer will be selected from the promising young literary critics who have previously participated in the writing residency at deBuren, the influential Flemish-Dutch house for culture and debate, which is dedicated to nurturing Dutch and Flemish writing talent. The author will receive feedback from De Lage Landen during the writing process, and the essay will be published there, first online and later in print.The winner of the Amarte Literature Prize 2026 will be announced during a private, celebratory ceremony on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, preceding Amarte Wonderland.