Arts, Culture & Heritage Community & Social Justice
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Koestler Arts

Koestler Arts: Our Year at a Glance 2024/25

Koestler Arts' Year at a Glance 2024/25 shows 3,666 men, women and young people in the criminal justice system took part in the Koestler Awards, submitting 7,613 artworks from settings including 131 prisons, 77 secure hospitals, 56 community settings and 34 secure children's homes, YOIs and youth justice services, with £31,895 awarded in prize money. 26 people recently released from prison completed its arts mentoring programme, bringing mentoring alumni to 250+, and its exhibitions, art fair stalls and events, including its 17th show at the Southbank Centre, drew over 44,000 visitors. The charity also moved into the new Koestler Arts Centre and raised £907,000.

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About

Koestler Arts is a UK charity unlocking hope, talent and potential in the lives of people in the criminal justice system. It runs the annual Koestler Awards for people in prisons, secure hospitals, immigration removal centres, youth justice and community settings, an arts mentoring programme for people leaving prison, and exhibitions, events and art fair stalls that bring its beneficiaries' work to the public.

Key Metrics

3,666 men, women and young people took part in the Koestler Awards
7,613 artworks submitted
44,000+ visitors to its exhibitions, art fair stalls and events

Key Outcomes

  • 97% of Awards entrants reported increased self-confidence (self-reported, 2024 survey)
  • 90% of mentoring participants reported a positive impact on their mental health, and 85% had desisted from reoffending 6 months after the scheme
  • 64% of Awards entrants improved education performance and 69% developed better relations with family and staff

Geography

UK-Wide

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