Opera America has announced the launch of the Campbell Opera Librettist Prize.

The prize was created and funded by renowned librettist Mark Campbell with the intention of awarding an American librettist “who demonstrates an exceptional talent for writing opera librettos and who exhibits the potential for making a substantial contribution to the opera literature.” The $5,000 award will be given annually.

Per a press release, the Campbell Opera Librettist Prize is the first in opera history designed specifically for opera librettists.

“The COLP is an extension of my mentorship of and advocacy for opera librettists. The Prize recognizes the

crucial role librettists play in any opera’s success,” Campbell said in a press release. “While the position of the librettist has gained a higher profile in American opera in the last decade or so, there has been little specific recognition for their work. Thanks to training programs like the American Opera Project, American Lyric Theater, and the American Opera Initiative, the field is now blessed with many great librettists; if we want that trend to continue, we must affirm their importance.”

Campbell is the librettist for such operas as “Silent Night,” “As One,” “The Shining,” “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” and “Elizabeth Cree” among over 30 others.