2019 Koestler Awards open for entries
The 2019 Koestler Awards – for artwork made by people in prison, in other secure units, or on probation – are now open for entries.
Hard copies of the guidance notes, entry forms and under 18’s entry forms have been sent out to institutions. Entries are judged by over 100 artists and experts from different fields and many entrants receive written feedback on their work. Every entrant receives a certificate and some winners receive a cash prize.
The themed category for 2019 is ‘Interlude’. Entrants are encouraged to produce a poem, drawing, painting, song – or any of the other 51 Koestler artforms – using the word ‘Interlude’ as a theme.
In 2019 the Koestler Trust aims to bring to life more written and recorded entries than in previous years, including an exhibition with Snape Maltings alongside the long-running collaboration with Southbank Centre. It is continuing its partnership with Synergy Theatre Project to deliver the Stage Play category.
The deadline for entries is Thursday 4th April 2019.
The Koestler Trust is one of the UK’s oldest prison arts charities, working across the whole of the British criminal justice system – in prisons, secure hospitals, immigration centres, young offender institutions and in the community. The Trust runs the annual Koestler Awards to motivate people to participate in the arts, and to showcase the talent and potential of people in the criminal justice system to the public.
Image: AAAAARGH!!, Bolton Probation Office, Phillip King Bronze Award for Sculpture, Unilink Gold Visitors’ Choice Award, courtesy of The Koestler Trust
