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 Mentees are supported in their work across various artforms, from writing and fine art to design or performance, many of which are showcased across Koestler exhibitions and events around the UK.
Take a look at some of the examples below of work by current and recent mentees.
Headache
Koestler Arts Mentoring Scheme, Stockwell Silver Award for Mixed Media, 2019
What's The Soup Today?
Littlehampton Probation Service, Gill Hope Highly Commended Award for Mixed Media
Marie Louise von Motesiczky Scholarship Award, 2019
A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away...
Littlehampton Probation Service, Julia Rogerson Highly Commended Award for Mixed Media
Marie Louise von Motesiczky Scholar, 2019
The Inner Child
Koestler Arts Mentoring Scheme, Portrait
Marie Louise von Motesiczky Scholar, 2019
Jacob's Ladder
Koestler Arts Mentoring Scheme, Carmelite Chambers Gold Award for Painting
Evelyn Plesch Scholar, 2018
Heuristic Freedom
HM Prison Ford, Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Connections, 2018
Playing with Paint - Seascape
HM Prison Ford, Handmade Greetings Card, 2019
Adam and Eve
Ilford Probation, Highly Commended Award for Textile Art, 2018
Bad News
Exeter Probation, Platinum Award for Watercolour and Gouache, 2018
Back Inside
Exeter Probation, Highly Commended Award for Watercolour and Gouache, 2018
Slow Thaw
Exeter Probation, Commended Award for Watercolour and Gouache, 2018
Hangman's Field
Dorset Probation, Platinum Award for Mixed Media, 2018
