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.

Sign up to become part of our growing family of supporters

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 through the Koestler Awards.

As a Friend you will receive a welcome pack in the post followed by a quarterly e-newsletter with exclusive updates on our latest projects. You’ll receive invitations to Friends events, artwork sales and exhibition previews, and unique insights and offers throughout the year.

Donation Amount:

£ 60.00

You have chosen to donate £60.00 annually.

Personal Info

First Name *

Last Name

Company Name

Email Address *

Donation acknowledgement

I would like to opt out of receiving a welcome pack

If you have a minute to let us know how you found out about our work and what prompted you to show your support we would love to hear from you:

I'd like to help cover the transaction fees of 0 for my donation.

Credit Card Info

This is a secure SSL encrypted payment.

Card Number *

CVC *

Cardholder Name *

Expiration *

Billing Details

Country *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

County *

Zip / Postal Code *

Reclaim Gift Aid

Add 25% more to your donation at no cost to you. A Gift Aid declaration allows Koestler Arts to claim tax back on eligible donations. It means that for every £1 you donate to Koestler Arts we can claim back 25p, at no extra cost to you.

Tell me more »

Yes, I would like to claim Gift Aid

By ticking the "Yes" box, I agree I would like Koestler Arts to reclaim the tax on all qualifying donations I have made, as well as any future donations, until I notify them otherwise. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year I may be asked to pay any difference. I understand that Koestler Arts will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give.

What is Gift Aid?

Gift Aid does not cost you a penny more, but can add an additional 25p to every £1 you donate. When Koestler Arts receives a donation from a UK taxpayer, we're entitled to claim an amount of tax (calculated at the basic rate of income tax in that year) paid on that donation. Once you have given your permission for us to do this on your behalf, there is no need for you to do anything else.

All that is required is that you must be a taxpayer and that would have paid or will pay sufficient Income and/or Capital Gains Tax to cover all the Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year. Please note that it is your responsibility to pay any difference.

The amount of tax we claim will be 25% of the total value of your donations in that tax year. Furthermore, if you are a higher taxpayer, you are also entitled to claim the difference between the basic rate which we will claim and the amount of tax you have actually paid. For further details on how you can do this, please contact your tax office. If your tax situation changes and your gifts will no longer be eligible for the Gift Aid scheme please contact us and we will amend your record accordingly.

Take me to my donation »

Gift Aid Address

Please use the billing details address
I'd like to use another address

Country *

Address 1 *

Address 2

City *

County *

Postal Code *

Donation Total: £60.00 Annually

Interested in becoming a lifelong Friend? Call us on 020 8740 0333 for more information or to set up a standing order.

Three thousand, seven hundred and eighty-two days and counting, same breakfast, same faces, same pillow - but put a brush in my hand and the walls dissolve. I am transported to lands where light and colour and texture are everything, where I can be happy, where for a time I can be free.
Koestler Awards entrant 2018

Unlock the talent inside

Become a Friend

Become a Koestler Friend

Sign up to become part of our growing family of supporters

What is Gift Aid?