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.

No Lockdown in the Imagination

2020 outdoor installation

Artwork from the 2020 Koestler Awards

12 November – 13 December 2020

Outdoors at London’s Southbank Centre

No Lockdown in the Imagination was an outdoor installation of artwork by people in the criminal justice system.

EXPLORE THE EXHIBITION

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Creativity has been prisoners’ escape during the pandemic. Certainly, by using limited materials and unlimited imaginations, people across our criminal justice system have kept themselves going.

Being creative helped me survive my prison sentence. I go to a different place when I’m thinking of ideas and then making them out of whatever I can find.
Koestler Awards entrant, 2020

No Lockdown in the Imagination showcased some of this important artwork entered into the 2020 Koestler Awards. Despite the challenges faced by the criminal justice system, we received over 6,500 artworks by artists in secure settings.

Creativity has allowed me to absorb my life into another world. A fantasy world where I can forget everything around me.
Koestler Awards entrant, 2020

Visual art and poetry were emblazoned on the windows of Southbank Centre. Additionally, audio performances of poetry and spoken word entries were played through outdoor speakers.

Art is limitless.
Koestler Awards entrant, 2020

The title of our installation quotes Lemn Sissay MBE, whose blog entry on 3^rd May 2020 read: “The reason prisoners can create extraordinary art and poetry is because there is no lockdown in the imagination.”