Discover how our work is impacting lives
The Koestler Awards receive artwork from nearly 4,000 individuals a year. Our exhibitions and displays share the stories behind these artworks with the public, allowing the voices of people who are often closed off from society to be heard.
We also work with men and women who have been involved with the criminal justice system through our arts mentoring scheme and our exhibition host employment programme. These individuals come from all walks of life and have often had very different experiences of time in prison and other secure establishments. They are united by the Koestler Awards, and the power of art to change lives.
Charlotte’s Story
Mentoring gave me purpose, focus, and a little more self-belief.
” came across the Koestler Arts Mentoring Scheme a few months after release, and felt inspired – I really wanted to be involved.”
Andrew’s Story
What becoming a 2018 Exhibition Host has meant to me.
“As a result of working for Koestler I was able to get a job and have hope for the future.”
John’s Story
From a young offender institution to the Venice Biennale.
“To be invited back was truly humbling. To hand out awards where I was once an awardee was elating.”
Erika’s Story
A journey from Award Winner to mentee.
“It is hard to express how valuable the Koestler Awards are, not just to my journey, but to so many that have put their work through the award scheme.”
Shaun’s Story
Becoming a Koestler mentee helped me become a published author.
“Thanks to the Koestler mentoring programme, I am now a published author of ten books and a best-seller on Amazon.”
Lee’s Story
From Koestler Awards entrant to studying at the Royal Drawing School.
“Koestler gave me my first bit of encouragement in the arts, and this was all that was needed for me to believe that I could build a second chance.”
Jason’s Story
I didn’t think I’d win anything, but the Koestler Awards lit a spark in me.
“Poetry has carried me on a journey of knowledge, wisdom, understanding, healing, and growth, and now much of my work is aimed at healing, teaching and nurturing confidence.”
Donna’s Story
Mentoring has helped me write some of my best work yet.
“Working with my mentor has given me the courage to explore my abilities, and his guidance on looking outside in has helped me write some of my best work to date.”
Thomas’s Story
Koestler Arts gave me something to live for.
“Simply put, from an emotional wellbeing perspective, the impact Koestler Arts has had on my life cannot be overstated.”
Kate’s Story
Finding a sense of purpose through the Koestler Awards.
“I felt proud that a bit of me could be useful, and interesting to others.”
Mark’s Story
Koestler Arts provided me with hope and encouragement.
“Finding out that one of my poems was being published in Koestler Voices was a huge boost for me”
Our Impact
Engaging with art and creativity can help prisoners, secure hospital patients and immigration detainees to learn new skills and gain the confidence to live positive and productive lives, helping them on their rehabilitative journeys.
