Written by Brittany Kleinman: From paintings and photographs to matchstick models and soap sculptures, the power of art has never been more liberating than with the Koestler Awards. Attracting over 5,000 entries a year from inmates of prisons and correctional facilities across the UK, this exhibition is one of a kind. For 2008, young offenders from the London Borough stepped up to curate the exhibition, choosing 120 of the 5,000 entries to represent the diverse prison population of Britain.

The Art By Offenders exhibition has two goals; to help offenders lead more positive lives and to demonstrate the power of artistic creativity within the criminal justice system. With the support of specially trained arts mentors, the most talented Koestler award winners are encouraged to continue their arts activity after release from custody. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

FREE admission and inspirational art are only two of the reasons wejetset recommends ‘Art by Offenders’ on display until Friday November 7th at the Southbank Centre in Central London.

Southbank Centre is located in on the Thames riverside between Golden Jubilee and Waterloo Bridges, in Central London. Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX

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