Unlock the talent inside

Since 1962 the Koestler Awards have played a unique, national role in motivating prisoners, secure hospital patients and immigration detainees to take part in the arts. The Koestler Awards are simple and powerful – we reward achievement, build self-confidence and broaden horizons for some of society’s most disadvantaged and marginalised people.

Our work harnesses the uniquely transformative power of the arts to help individuals learn the skills and gain the confidence to live creative, positive and productive lives. Each year we receive more than 7,000 entries from over 3,500 entrants across the UK in 52 categories. More than 2,000 Awards are granted by over 100 esteemed judges, and each year culminates in a curated exhibition at Southbank Centre which showcases the incredible power of the arts to transform lives.

A Moment for Self-Reflection

A Peek Through the Window
Liverpool Probation Service, Drawing, 2020
Beggar
The Spinney (secure mental health unit), Bronze Award for Drawing, 2020
Book-Ends
HM Prison Preston, Platinum Award for Drawing, 2020
Broken Window
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Themed Category: Window, 2020
Forgive Me
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Commended Award for Calligraphy, 2020
Frazzled
Arbury Court (secure mental health unit), Highly Commended Award for Painting, 2020
From the Outside Looking In
HM Prison Buckley Hall, Painting, 2020
Frustration
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, First-Time Entrant Award for Drawing, 2020
General Ignorance
Arbury Court (secure mental health unit), Commended Award for Portrait, 2020
Highway to Heaven
Isle of Man Prison, Painting, 2020
Isolation
HM Prison Haverigg, Commended Award for Painting, 2020
Living in Hope!
HM Prison Buckley Hall, Platinum Award for Pastel, 2020
Me Myself Eye
Liverpool Probation Service, Highly Commended Award for Drawing, 2020
Meds!
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Themed Category: Window, 2020
My Covid Tears
HM Prison Haverigg, Painting, 2020
Off the Streets
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Themed Category: Window, 2020
Open Window of the Mind
Arbury Court (secure mental health unit), Themed Category: Window, 2020
Outlook
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Themed Category: Window, 2020
Parallel World
The Spinney (secure mental health unit), Bronze Award for Portrait, 2020
Peace Beyond Reality
The Spinney (secure mental health unit), Themed Category: Window, 2020
Prison Window
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Styal, Themed Category: Window, 2020
Red Right Hand
Isle of Man Prison, Painting, 2020
Reflection
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Themed Category: Window, 2020
Self Portrait 2
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Portrait, 2020
Self Portrait 3
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Commended Award for Portrait, 2020
Self Portrait 4
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Portrait, 2020
Sigh
Arbury Court (secure mental health unit), Painting, 2020
Still Life with Apple Juice Carton
HM Prison Risley, Bronze Award for Drawing, 2020
Tears
Isle of Man Prison, Calligraphy, 2020
The Golden Mean
Liverpool Probation Service, Painting, 2020
View from the Bottom Bunk (A Bag of Sweets)
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Forest Bank, Sodexo Justice Services, Silver Award for Drawing, 2020
Uusi
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Styal, Painting, 2020
Window
Kemple View (secure mental health unit), Themed Category: Window, 2020
Window
Kemple View (secure mental health unit), Julia Rogerson Highly Commended Award for Drawing, 2020
Window of Thoughts
HM Prison Buckley Hall, Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Window, 2020