The 48th annual Koestler Trust art exhibition is now on show at London's South Bank Centre.
The first national art show to be curated by serving prisoners, this year's exhibition was curated by six women prisoners nearing the end of their sentences at HMP Downview.
The exhibits have been chosen from the 5,867 entries to this year's Koestler Awards. They come from secure establishments across the UK, as well as probation and youth offending services and British prisoners abroad.
Koestler Chief Executive Tim Robertson says:
"10,000 members of the public came to last year's Koestler exhibition, and I'm really looking forward to seeing lots of Ministry of Justice colleagues among this year's visitors.
"For the first time, prisoners themselves have selected the exhibits, designed the exhibition, and will be leading all the tours – so it's an unprecedented opportunity."
The Koestler Awards is the UK's best-known prison arts charity. Set up in 1962 the scheme helps turn offenders' lives around by improving entrants' self-esteem, allowing them to lead more positive lives by motivating them to get involved in the creative arts.
The exhibition runs until 6 December, daily 10am – 11pm (admission free) with exhibition tours on Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm and Saturdays 3pm.
Events:
- 21 - 24 October - Big Art Sale - artworks for sale and ready to take away
- 5 November, 7pm - "Not Shut Up" - reading of creative writing from the Koestler Awards (free but booking required)
- 11 November, 10am - 4 pm - Training seminar for prison art tutors (booking via the Koestler Trust)
- 4 December, 7 pm, repeated 5 December, 3 pm - "Prose and Cons" - rehearsed readings of new plays by prisoners
For more information visit The Koestler Trust website or call 020 8740 0333.
