| National Novel Award | |
|---|---|
| Description | Novel published in Colombia |
| Location | Bogotá, Colombia |
| Presented by | Ministry of Culture (Colombia) |
| First award | 2014 |
| Website | mincultura |
The National Novel Award is a Colombian literary award established in 2014 and granted by the Ministry of Culture of Colombia. It forms part of the National Incentives Programme and is awarded every two years to the best novel published in the country, alternating with the National Poetry Prize. [1] [2] It is considered the highest official distinction for fiction narrative in Colombia.
The prize was established in 2014 during the administration of Minister Mariana Garcés, as part of the policy to promote reading and books. [1] Its creation was based on Article 71 of the 1991 Constitution of Colombia, which mandates the State to generate incentives for cultural manifestations. The Ministry defined the award as recognition of excellence in fiction narrative, with the objective of encouraging the publication of national authors and strengthening appreciation for reading.
The prize is awarded biennially and alternates with the National Poetry Prize. [1] It is administered by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge with support from the National Library of Colombia. The jury changes with each call for submissions, and the recognition includes a monetary award along with promotion of the winning work at fairs and cultural circuits.
The National Novel Award has served as a platform for disseminating contemporary Colombian literature. [1] It has enabled expanded circulation of novels in national and international settings and has strengthened editorial production. The competition is considered one of the main incentives for writers and publishers, and has consolidated the novel as a central genre within the country's cultural policy. [3]
Since its creation, the prize maintains the same structure: public call for submissions, selection of independent jurors, awarding of monetary prize, and ministerial promotion. Although the institutional name of the Ministry changed in 2022 to Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge, the prize preserves its original essence: to distinguish the best novel published in Colombia and consolidate a space for literary legitimation. [1]
| Department | Number of winners |
|---|---|
| Bolívar | 1 |
| Bogotá D.C. | 4 |
| Caldas | 1 |
| Nariño | 1 |
| Valle del Cauca | 1 |
