The Vision of Ukrainian-Canadian philanthropist Stanley Peterson…
The vision of Ukrainian-Canadian philanthropist Stanley Peterson takes shape, as literary fund bearing his name becomes reality
May 17, 2021
TORONTO - It was the dream of the late Ukrainian-Canadian philanthropist, Stanley Peterson, to establish an international literary fund designed to promote a better understanding of the Ukrainian experience and to recognize exceptional written works that are of interest to the global Ukrainian community and a broad audience of readers.
Born to Ukrainian parents in western Ukraine— Peterson’s life story embodies the harrowing experiences of many East European émigrés who escaped persecution and war. Finding refuge and freedom in Canada, he adopted a new name to fit into his new homeland. Driven by ambition, a keen mind, and a successful career in corporate accounting, and later in government finance, Stanley Peterson built an impressive investment portfolio, whose exponential growth enabled him to create the literary fund that carries his name.
About the Fund: The Stanley Peterson Literary Fund is unique in its scope, offering six distinct programs, including a cornerstone literary prize of $30,000, as well as a translated book award of $10,000, screenplay award of $10,000, and several targeted grants for writers and translators valued up to $10,000 each. Details about the Peterson Literary Fund’s founder, its six programs, submission guidelines, and Awards Jury are found on the fund’s recently launched website petersonliteraryfund.com
Starting in the Spring of 2021, the various awards and grants programs will be unveiled in phases.
Key Dates:
Submissions for the Translated Book Award and Translation-in-Progress Grants are open from May 17 — June 30, 2021.
In accordance with the wishes of its founder, the Peterson Literary Fund is managed by Canadian political scientist Lisa Shymko, who also serves as Chair of the Fund’s Awards Jury. The literary fund operates under the auspices of the Toronto-based BCU Foundation.
According to the Chair of BCU Foundation, Roman Medyk, “Our foundation is pleased to welcome Ms. Shymko in her dual capacity as Chair of the Jury and Chief Administrator overseeing the Fund, and we are very proud that our foundation was chosen to be the home of this exceptional literary fund.”
Lisa Shymko will lead a distinguished group of jurors — Jurij Darewych, Nadia Gereliouk, Marko Robert Stech, and Frank Sysyn — well-respected professionals, with academic and literary expertise, all of whom understand the unique history and culture of the Ukrainian people. In the words of Ms. Shymko, “at a time when truth is under assault and disinformation is rampant, I am excited to oversee the implementation of Mr. Peterson’s vision — an endeavour that will bring great benefit to both a Ukrainian and international audience.”
The Peterson Literary Fund’s Honorary Patrons will be announced later this month.
Contact the Peterson Literary Fund office for more details: office@petersonliteraryfund.com