Support us - Koestler Arts

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 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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Without Koestler I would have had nothing in prison to show me that I can change, and make a new future for myself. Hearing people say positive things about my work is a new experience and drives me to keep trying

Koestler Awards entrant, HM Prison Wymott

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.

Name an Award

Give a name to a Koestler Award in a category of your choice, and show the recipient that a member of the public supports their positive achievements

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Regular Giving

The certainty of regular donations enables us to provide feedback, awards, mentoring and exhibition opportunities to thousands of prisoners, secure patients and detainees each year

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One-off Donations

Your support will help us reach and motivate more individuals in secure settings to take part in the arts, learning skills and gaining confidence

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Gifts in Wills

Leave a lasting gift to the people and causes you care most about.

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Become a Friend

With the generous support of our Friends, we are able to better meet the needs of our entrants, helping people find confidence, encouragement and a way to share their stories

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Become a Koestler Champion

Will you join us to make sure Koestler Arts can meet the needs of thousands more people impacted by the criminal justice system across the UK, for years to come?

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Our Impact

Read about the transformative effects the Koestler Awards can have for some of society’s most disadvantaged and marginalised people

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Research and Reports

Read a selection of recent academic publications and in-house evaluations showing the effectiveness of art in prisons

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My Koestler Story

Read the stories of some of the people whose lives have been changed through the Koestler Awards

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Request a Display

If your organisation or workplace has some blank walls in need of artwork, let us know. We can organise a tailor-made display of original artworks entered into the Koestler Awards

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Other Ways to Give

From volunteering on feedback days to donating via payroll, there are many ways that you can contribute to our work

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