The Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice started in 1962. Each year over 3,500 people in custody and in the community share their creative work by taking part. The Koestler Awards provide feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities in visual art, design, writing and music. These are supported every year by the Weavers’ Company who donate the Platinum Award for Textile Art.
The winner of the 2021 Weavers’ Company Platinum Award is “Sitting Together”. A group of artists at HM Prison Bronzefield made “Sitting Together” whilst living under lockdown, which, for many prisoners and detainees, has meant 23 hours a day locked in-cell. They submitted 5 entries to the 2021 Koestler Awards. Now, thanks to our support, they have a lifeline to the outside world – a way to kindle their creativity and grow confident about themselves and their art.
This piece of art along with the other Koestler award winners can be seen in the Southbank Centre this year with The I and the We exhibition which runs until 05 December 2021. The Company is delighted that “Sitting Together” features very prominently in the exhibition; indeed, it’s the lead image.
You can find out more about Koestler Arts at this link:
