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.

Koestler Arts at the Supreme Court

Artwork by young people

29 June – October 2022
The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London

Koestler Arts is pleased to be returning to the Supreme Court for a public display of artwork by under-18s this summer. It will be a chance to showcase and celebrate a range of artwork entered into the Koestler Awards by our youngest entrants.

Entrants under the age of 18 can enter the Koestler Awards at any point during the year as part of our Fast Feedback programme. They receive guaranteed feedback and the chance to receive special Fast Feedback awards within 4-weeks. This programme came about in response to the shorter sentences young people often receive, and provides an opportunity for young people to have their work recognised and celebrated during their time in the criminal justice system.

This partnership will see artwork created by young people within the criminal justice system displayed inside one of the UK’s most iconic legal settings. The Supreme Court is the final court of appeal in the UK for civil cases, and for criminal cases from England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Court hears cases of the highest important that can affect the whole population.

As well as visiting the display, members of the public can visit the Supreme Court for tours, exhibitions and to watch live court sittings.

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This Koestler Arts display is kindly supported by The Arts Society from the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund with matching funds from The Arts Society Chiswick.