viðmótið

Viðmótið is an annual literary award given by the Icelandic Literature Centre, an organization that promotes Icelandic literature and culture. The award is presented to a writer, editor, publisher, or translator who has made significant contributions to the development of Icelandic literature.

Viðmótið was established in 1996 and is named after the Icelandic word for "opposition" or "antipode," maintaining a timely pun in Icelandic as the award is named after the opposite of the Vaka literary award, previously given by the same centre. The award is considered one of the most prestigious in Icelandic literature and is presented in the autumn of each year.

The recipient of the award is chosen by the Icelandic Literature Centre's board of directors. The award consists of a prize money of Icelandic Króna, a gold medal designed by artist Clara Birgitta Kny. The recipient is also invited to give a lecture at the Writers' Week, one of the country's largest literary festivals.

The main purpose of Viðmótið is to acknowledge the enduring impact and innovative contributions made by an individual in various fields of Icelandic literature and publishing. Since its inception, the award has been given to individuals from diverse backgrounds, showcasing their benefits to the growth and enrichment of Icelandic literature. Through the years, the award has highlighted the importance of continued initiative in literature reception and encouragement.