Great art comes from anywhere and everywhere. But the intrinsic conundrum is that not every person who could be a great artist will have the means to dedicate their time and energy to it. Whether it be financial demands that detract your attention or specific circumstances that steer you away from the path, not everyone is able to reach their artistic potential. That’s why the Koestler Arts charity highlights and celebrates art from an unexpected source; their annual exhibition displays artwork from people in prison.
This November, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, the Koestler Arts 2024 UK exhibition will display art from hundreds of individuals in prison. Artworks are submitted and then curated by way of the Koestler Awards. Thousands of men, women and young people in custodial settings submit their artwork. Every single submission receives personalised feedback and certificates to recognise their efforts, and their art could be exhibited, published, or even sold.
Who are the artists?
Pieces in the exhibition come from a variety of people who have been incarcerated, not just people who are in prison. This includes those in “secure mental health facilities, immigration removal centres, young offender institutions, and [people] on community sentences across the UK”.
Outside of the exhibition, Koestler Arts has been working with prisoners, young offenders, and more, since 1962. Their goal is to motivate the participants to harness the transformative power of the arts to lead creative and positive lives. They also allow participants “a creative voice in a system that can often be silencing.”
Choosing the artworks
This year’s exhibition, the 17th in partnership with the Southbank Centre, will be co-curated by Jeremy Deller and John Costi. Both artists have a strong connection to Koestler Art’s prison art exhibitions. Deller has been a long-time supporter of the charity and played a significant role in securing the partnership between Koestler Arts and the Southbank Centre. Since building that relationship, that’s where the exhibition has run ever since.
Costi’s history with the Koestler Arts charity comes from the complete opposite angle. He first learned about them while serving a sentence at HM Young Offender Institution Feltham. After his release, he joined the Koestler Arts Mentoring Scheme to further his artistic ambitions before going on to study at Central St Martins. He has also been part of the Koestler Art showcases and exhibitions, most recently performing readings of his poetry.
Said John Costi:
“Koestler has played a pivotal role in my life. Starting as entrant, then awardee, mentee, scholar, arts worker, judge and now curator is a massive achievement and full circle moment for me. It is also an honour to be paired with Jeremy for this project. A great British artist, he has guided me on my artistic journey since we met in Venice all them years ago.”
The Koestler Arts 2024 UK exhibition will open in the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX, this November.
Find out more about the exhibition and the Koestler Arts charity here.
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