In a remarkable turn of events, renowned Australian author Richard Flanagan has been named the winner of the prestigious Baillie Gifford Prize for nonfiction for his genre-defying book “Question 7”. However, Flanagan stunned the literary world by announcing that he will not accept the £50,000 prize money until the award’s sponsor, investment management firm Baillie Gifford, reduces its holdings in fossil fuel extraction and increases investments in renewable energy.
A Groundbreaking Book Sparks Vital Conversations
Flanagan’s “Question 7” is a unique blend of memoir, novel, and history that explores the author’s attempt to understand his parents, his home state of Tasmania, and the complexities of memory, trauma, love, and mortality. Chair of judges Isabel Hilton praised the book as:
Just a remarkable book… an astonishingly accomplished meditation on memory, history, trauma, love and death – and an intricately woven exploration of the chains of consequence that frame a life.
– Isabel Hilton, Chair of Judges
The book’s victory marks the first time a writer has won both the Baillie Gifford Prize and the Booker Prize, which Flanagan received in 2014 for his novel The Narrow Road to the Deep North. This achievement cements Flanagan’s status as one of the most versatile and accomplished authors of our time.
An Unprecedented Stand Against Fossil Fuels
In his pre-recorded acceptance speech, Flanagan announced that he would not accept the prize money until Baillie Gifford shares a plan to divest from fossil fuels and increase investments in sustainable energy. He emphasized the urgent need for action, stating:
Fossil fuels are destroying our country… I would welcome an opportunity to speak with Baillie Gifford’s board, both to thank them and to describe how fossil fuels are destroying our country.
– Richard Flanagan
Flanagan’s decision to refuse the prize money has ignited a vital conversation about the role of corporate sponsorship in the arts and the responsibility of businesses to address the climate crisis. His bold stance has drawn both praise and criticism, with some applauding his principled position and others questioning the efficacy of such a move.
Baillie Gifford Under Scrutiny
The Baillie Gifford Prize, formerly known as the Samuel Johnson Prize, has been running since 1999 and is widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious award for nonfiction. However, the investment firm’s sponsorship has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its investments in fossil fuels and companies linked to Israel. Earlier this year, a campaign led by Fossil Free Books resulted in nine literary festivals terminating their partnerships with Baillie Gifford.
In response to Flanagan’s announcement, Baillie Gifford partner Peter Singlehurst expressed the firm’s desire to continue supporting the prize, stating:
With the support of the literary community, we would dearly love to continue sponsoring this magnificent prize.
– Peter Singlehurst, Baillie Gifford Partner
The Future of Literary Sponsorship
Flanagan’s refusal of the prize money has sparked a broader debate about the future of literary sponsorship and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the relationships between artists, cultural institutions, and corporate sponsors. As the climate crisis intensifies and public awareness grows, it is likely that more writers, artists, and organizations will follow Flanagan’s lead in demanding that sponsors align their investments with the values and concerns of the creative community.
The fallout from Flanagan’s decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his courageous stand has thrust the issue of fossil fuel divestment and the role of corporate sponsorship in the arts into the global spotlight. As the literary world grapples with the implications of his actions, it is certain that the conversation around these crucial issues will only continue to grow in urgency and importance.
