2024 Exhibition Curators Announced

We're delighted to share that Jeremy Deller & John Costi will co-curate our 2024 exhibition at the Southbank Centre

Koestler Arts 2024 UK exhibition

2024 Koestler Awards!

The 2024 Koestler Awards are now open for entries.

Deadline: 12 April

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Art Aid

Download our creative activity sheets

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Who we are

Koestler Arts is the UK’s best known and oldest prison arts charity. We aim to inspire prisoners and people with experience of the criminal justice system to take part in the arts, (including fine art, design, music, poetry, film and performance), through our annual Koestler Awards programme, feedback on the work, exhibitions, sales, and mentoring.

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Get involved in the Koestler Awards

The Koestler Awards provide feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities in visual art, design, writing and music.

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Find out about Koestler Mentoring

Our mentoring scheme is designed to support people who have experience of the criminal justice system and who have a keen interest in the arts to develop their practice in the community.

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What’s coming up

Each year Koestler Arts holds exhibitions and events across the UK. We do this to showcase the talent and potential of prisoners and people in secure settings – often causing visitors to reconsider negative stereotypes.

What’s On
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Support Us

The Koestler Awards exist thanks to voluntary donations from businesses, trusts and foundations, individuals and gifts in wills. With your help, we can inspire ambition and hope in more men, women and young people in the criminal justice system.

Find out how to support us
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What’s new in the shop?

Take a look at some of our most popular items available to purchase.

Koestler Voices: Vol. 4

£12

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Gift a Friends Membership

Do you want to share a cause close to your hear with a loved one?

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Unlock The Talent Inside gloss finish mug

£10

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