The Arts Society Maidenhead and The Koestler Awards Unlocking the talent inside

The Koestler Awards offer people in custody or on probation the opportunity to create and enter pieces of artwork to be in with a chance of winning awards, monetary prizes, expert feedback and showcasing their work. But it is so much more than that. The Koestler Awards provide a lifeline for many prisoners, allowing them to share their innermost thoughts and feelings with the outside world – giving a voice to people who are often voiceless.
The Arts Society Maidenhead sponsored a Bronze Award for Art this year. Our winning entry is a drawing entitled ‘Tempus Fugit, Time Flies’.  Our winner was selected by Ai Wei Wei, the curator of this year’s exhibition, and is currently on display at the ‘Freedom’ Exhibition at the Southbank Centre in London.  Since 2022 is Koestler’s 60th anniversary, we were also allocated a Highly Commended painting ‘The Screaming Man’, completed by a young prisoner detained locally at HMP Huntercombe in Nuffield.

As an award namer, we have given a vote of confidence and encouragement to two people using art and creativity. Koestler tell us that our award has given hope in an environment where hope is not easily found. We hope you feel that our sponsorship this year as a Society has been worthwhile.

On Monday 14 November, three members of the Committee had the privilege of touring the Exhibition first with a Koestler guide, and then with a host, an ex-prisoner trained to tell us about some of the exhibits and the stories and inspiration behind the works.  We were really moved by the range and quality of the exhibits, the Koestler story and by our host. Ann, our committee member for Volunteering gave a splendid presentation at our November lecture describing our visit in more detail.

Since then, we have learned that our host, a charming young man, has now been offered a full-time post at the Southbank Centre. We are delighted to learn how the scheme has helped him change his future in such a positive way.

The free exhibition at the Southbank Centre is open every day until 18th December from 10.00am daily.  If you are in London, do try to visit – we guarantee it will make you think! If you can visit, we would love to receive your feedback after our Christmas lecture over a cup of tea and a mince pie!

https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/art-exhibitions/koestler-arts...