Unlock the talent inside

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.

Multi-artform

Themed Category

Our annual Themed Category helps provide a starting point for many entrants and the staff who support them. Entrants can respond to the theme across any of the Koestler Award artforms.

The theme gives many entrants the inspiration to take part in the Awards, often for the first time.

The Themed Category doesn’t affect the other categories of Koestler Awards, although when a category has been especially popular, its impact can sometimes be felt across our exhibitions.

The 2020 Themed Category is ‘Window.’

Previous themes:

2020	Window	judged by Lisa Selbie
2019	Interlude	judged by Raphael Rowe
2018	Connections	judged by Reggie Yates
2017	Inside	chosen by Antony Gormley
2016	Comfort	chosen by our social media followers
2015	Journey	chosen by our social media followers
2014	Dreams	judged by Olympic champion, Katherine Grainger CBE
2013	Forgiveness	judged by Dame Jude Kelly OBE
2012	50	in celebration of 50 years of the charity
2011	Help!	judged by Jeremy Paxman

Arts Project

The Arts Project category is open to entries which feature components that cover several Koestler Awards artforms. Entries must include a description of the aims of the project, documentation of the artistic outcome and the people involved.

Online Gallery

View a selection of award-winning Multi-artform entries from previous Koestler Awards below.

Window of Opportunity
HM Prison Albany
Pierce Brunt Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Picture Window
HM Prison Oakwood
Artists' Collecting Society Silver Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Knowledge Through the Window of Glass
HM Prison Dovegate
Pat & Bill Gordon First-Time Entrant Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
The Pigeons of Wandsworth
HM Prison Wandsworth
Gold Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
'Windows' - A Room With A View
The Spinney
Platinum Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Cell-Window
HM Prison Glenochil
Silver Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
These Windows Speak
HM Prison Glenochil
Platinum Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Fate Would Have It So
HM Prison Wandsworth
Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Escape
HM Prison Stocken
Bronze Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Ascension
HM Prison Warren Hill
Bronze Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Freedom is Golden
HM Prison Glenochil
Bronze Award for Themed Category: Window
2020
Another Chapter
HM Prison Peterborough
Gold Award for Themed Category: Interlude
2019
Stories, Socks & Jay Cloths
HM Prison & Young Offender Institution Low Newton
John Crockett Highly Commended Award for Themed Category: Interlude
2019
A Pause from a Pose
HM Prison Long Lartin
Platinum Award for Themed Category: Interlude
2019
Coed Village
HM Prison Parc
Inspiration Platinum Award for Arts Project
2019