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Koestler Awards

The Koestler Awards

The Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice started in 1962. Each year over 3,500 people in custody and in the community share their creative work by taking part. The Koestler Awards provide feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities in visual art, design, writing and music.

A photo of a woman pointing at an art piece at a Koestler Arts exhibition.

Enter the 2026 Koestler Awards

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A painting of a row of cells down a long, never ending corridor. A man is holding a stack of books while walking down the corridor.

18 & Under Programme

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A photo of a handmade paper book with drawings in it.

Koestler Awards FAQs

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A photo of a colourful geometric pattern.

Previous Koestler Awards Results

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A photo of a mini jail cell reconstructed from cardboard.

Judging the Koestler Awards

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A drawing of two people holding mugs, one with Coffee and one with Tea written on it, with a heart that reads Cheers in between them.

News

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Support our work

Join as a Patron today and help us reach more people in prisons and criminal justice settings who want to take part in the arts, supporting them to build the skills and confidence for a more creative life – to honour your contribution, we’ll invite you to choose the title for an Award.

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Any questions?

Please don’t hesitate to ask for more information.
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Koestler Arts
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