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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.

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Archive

  • Terminator Model

    Terminator Model
    HM Prison Whatton
    Silver Award for Sculpture 2020
    Papier-mâché, card, acrylic and chicken bones

    Dimensions: 30 x 13 x 150 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Ducky

    Ducky
    HM Prison Bronzefield
    Drawing 2020
    Pen on paper

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 29.5 x 21 cm.

    Condition: stain on paper with some wear and tear.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Stray Dog, Scaredy Cat, Quizzical Rabbit, Smug Cat

    Stray Dog, Scaredy Cat, Quizzical Rabbit, Smug Cat
    Arbury Court (secure hospital)
    Bronze Award for Mixed Media 2020
    Oil pastels and powdered ink on paper

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 51 x 76  cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Bird Cage – Imprisoned!

    Bird Cage – Imprisoned!
    HM Prison Exeter
    Paper Craft Gold Award for Craft 2020
    Paper straws, paper, glue, tea bags and roll on deodorant balls

    Dimensions: 57 x 30.5 x 295 cm.

    Collection only.

    Condition: Due to nature of materials used, there is a small amount of wear and tear.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • The Only Certainty

    The Only Certainty
    HM Prison Haverigg
    Painting 2020
    Acrylic and ink on wood

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 55.5 x 95 x 0.2 cm.

    Condition: small holes around edges.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Several States of Mind

    Several States of Mind
    HM Prison Dartmoor
    Robin & Margaret Weiss Silver Award for Sculpture 2020
    Plywood, matchsticks, paper, modelling clay, pen and paint

    Dimensions: 8 x 72.5 x 19.5 cm.

    Collection only.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Hand of Fate

    Hand of Fate
    Atkinson Secure Unit (secure hospital)
    Commended Award for Printmaking 2020
    Ink on card

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 45 x 32 cm.

    Condition: crease on bottom right hand corner.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Miss Lou

    Miss Lou
    HM Prison Long Lartin
    Silver Award for Mixed Media 2020
    2019 Koestler Awards feedback cards, paper, gold string and acrylic on board

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 81 x 58.5 x 0.7 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Seated Figure

    Seated Figure
    HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
    Portrait 2020
    Oil pastel on paper

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 42 x 29 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Free

    Free
    Guernsey Prison
    Silver Award for Mixed Media 2020
    Feathers, beads, glitter, sequins, glue, buttons, pencil, dye and fabric on board

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 40 x 44.5 x 3 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Z Dog

    Z Dog
    HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
    First-Time Entrant Award for Ceramics 2020
    Ceramic

    Dimensions: 18 x 9 x 26 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see full image.

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  • Standing Dragon

    Standing Dragon
    HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
    Ceramics 2020
    Ceramic

    Dimensions: 15 x 12 x 15 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Quirky Duck

    Quirky Duck
    HM Prison Dovegate
    Under 25s Special Award for Ceramics 2020
    Ceramic

    Dimensions: 11.6 x 7 x 23.4 cm (body) and 2 x 14 x 6 cm (wings).

    Condition: artwork arrived with wings unattached.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Coed Fairground

    Coed Fairground
    HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
    Bronze Award for Matchstick Model 2020
    Card, matchsticks, acrylic, fabric softener bottles, broken DVD player, bread and bamboo skewers

    Dimensions: 57.5 x 355.2 x 42.1 cm (n.b. measurements taken from display at the Southbank Centre. Not all artwork on display).

    Collection only.

    Condition: due to nature of materials used and size there are various minor damages.

    Parts of this artwork are on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Frogs

    Frogs
    HM Prison Warren Hill
    Craft 2020
    Sweet wrappers, silver foil, card and beetle

    Dimensions: 2 x 3.5 x 11 cm (blog frogs), 2.5 x 9.5 x 11 (pink), 3 x 10 x 12 cm (orange) and 2 x 7.5 x 10 cm (green).

    Sold as a set.

    Three pieces of this artwork are on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Alligators

    Alligators
    HM Prison Warren Hill
    Margaret Lipsey Recycled Materials Commended Award for Craft 2020
    Sweet wrappers, silver foil and card

    Dimensions: 5 x 33 x 11 cm (pink) and 6 x 60 x 14 cm (silver).

    Sold as a set.

    Condition: silver foil marked with glue substance.

    One piece of this artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Crazy Heads

    Crazy Heads
    HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Parc
    Ceramics 2020
    Ceramic

    Dimensions: 7 x 9 x 10 cm (blue), 7.5 x 8 x 10 cm (big ears), 9 x 10 x 9 (cyclops), 9 x 14 x 6 cm (green eyes) and 7 x 7.5 x 6.5cm (red eyes).

    Sold as a set.

    Four pieces of this artwork are on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

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  • Keep Safe, Keep Clean II

    Keep Safe, Keep Clean II
    HM Prison Bronzefield
    Commended Award for Sculpture 2020
    Soap

    Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2 cm.

    Sold as a set.

    Two pieces of this artwork are on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Keep Safe, Keep Clean I

    Keep Safe, Keep Clean I
    HM Prison Bronzefield
    Sculpture 2020
    Soap

    Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2 cm.

    Sold as a set.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Soap

    Soap
    HM Prison Bronzefield
    Commended Award for Sculpture 2020
    Soap

    Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 2 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • God’s Not Dead

    God’s Not Dead
    HM Prison Bronzefield
    Commended Award for Sculpture 2020
    Soap

    Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 2 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Balrolf

    Balrolf
    HM Prison Greenock
    Sculpture 2020
    Paint, velvet, plastic and wood

    Dimensions: 7.5 x 10 x 7 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Blue Ape

    Blue Ape
    HM Prison Warren Hill
    Craft 2020
    Sweet wrapper and card

    Dimensions: 7 x 19 x 19 cm.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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  • Mythical Creature

    Mythical Creature
    HM Young Offender Institution Polmont
    Drawing 2020
    Pencil on paper

    Sold unframed, dimensions: 25.5 x 38.5 cm.

    Condition: small crease and scuff marks.

    This artwork is on show at this year’s Koestler Arts outdoor installation, No Lockdown in the Imagination, at the Southbank Centre. Open until 13th December.

    Please note that due to the pandemic and the current restrictions in place we are unable to guarantee delivery, or collection, until after 2nd December. Please email info@koestlerarts.org.uk if we do not make contact within 7 days.

    Click below to see the full image.

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