The countdown to the third edition of the Blancpain-Imaginist Literary Prize has begun in China
Blancpain and Beijing-based publisher Imaginist Press are proudly renewing their association for the third consecutive year and announcing the official opening of their 2020 literary competition. Founded in 2018, the Blancpain-Imaginist Prize aims to reveal and support talented and promising young writers, while also encouraging creativity and promoting Chinese literature.
From now until May 15th, publishers and authors from around the country are invited to submit their literary works on the theme "Joining the Ranks of Contemporaries", which provokes reflection on various current intergenerational and communitarian issues. Following this phase of competition entries, two rigorous selection processes conducted by a professional and independent jury will take place in August and September. Composed of leading Chinese cultural figures – including the poet Xi Chuan, novelists Sun Ganlu and Su Tong, literary critic Yang Zhao and renowned musician Zhang Yaddong –, this panel of judges will designate five finalists, before voting for the final winner, who will be revealed and celebrated during the award ceremony at the end of October. On this occasion, the laureate will be awarded a Blancpain timepiece from the classic Villeret collection, along with a financial contribution of 300,000 yuan (approx.US$ 44,000).
The Blancpain-Imaginist Prize is the first literary Chinese award uniting the world of culture with that of fine watchmaking. These two universes share numerous similarities: the writing of a literary artwork and the creation of a watchmaking piece both require inspiration, patience, attention to details, as well as a constant quest for inventiveness and excellence. Driven by these common values, the Manufacture Blancpain and the Imaginist publishing house are combining their expertise and competencies as a means of fostering the future of up-and-coming generations of authors demonstrating innovative and audacious writing skills.
