Awards

Community Arts Projects UK acknowledges Koestler Arts as a vital influence on art in prison communities across the UK. As a leading arts trust, Koestler Arts runs an impactful awards scheme those incarcerated or supervised by the Ministry of Justice. During CAP UK's early days, we recognised how this initiative positively affected residents and staff alike. After a six-month urban arts project,in a Kent forensic unit, 4 students received awards including a first time platinum win, fostering excitement and engagement in the unit, especially in art, culminating in 6 impressive mural installations.

As well as incentives in the form of cash awards for artists, Koestler also help to sell work on prisoner’s behalf through various exhibitions and fund raising events. Koestler also continue to provide an amazing mentorship program for successful inmates who are leaving prison and need a little support and direction in their art careers.

Our journey

2010

The Bracton Center

We worked for a six month street art project at the Bracton center - Mental Health Unit. Participants won platinum, silver and bronze Koestler Art awards, a success that opened the door to working for mental health providers in Kent.

2012-2020

HMP Rochester

HMP Elmley

HMP Swaleside

HMP Send

We worked for health providers in Kent prisons beginning with HMP Rochester and HMP Elmley from 2012.

In 2013, we worked in HMP Swaleside as well.

In 2020, we obtained a contract in HMP Send - our first women's prison.

2022-2024

HMP Maidstone

HMP Elmley

HMP Rochester

HMP Send

HMP Birmingham

We started working at HMP Birmingham and HMP Maidstone in 2022 while continued our contract at HMP Elmley, HMP Rochester, HMP Maidstone until 2023, HMP Send until 2024.