Prisoners from the Isle of Man Prison have received awards from charity Koestler Arts, for their work carried out within the Prison Education Programme, and two works have been selected for a UK Exhibition.
Four prisoners received six awards including a Bronze Award, an ‘Outstanding’ Award and four ‘Highly Commended’ Awards. Of the pieces, two have been selected by the charity to be included in their ‘Night Owls and Abstractions’ exhibition, held at the UK’s largest Arts Centre. The two pieces, a painting entitled ‘Self Portrait’ and a needlecraft piece called ‘The Hive’ were selected from more than 7,500 entries from across the UK.
Koestler Arts is a charity which supports the power of the arts to unlock hope, talent and potential in the lives of people in the criminal justice system. Their mission is to inspire participation in the arts by people in prisons and beyond, and to build public recognition of their creative work, fostering communities that support rehabilitation.
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, said: “This is an extraordinary honour and a testament to the talent and dedication of prisoners and tutors. Being involved with creative projects like this provides individuals with a constructive outlet for self-expression, helps them to develop new skills, and builds a sense of pride and achievement.
“Opportunities such as the Koestler Awards not only recognise that talent but also demonstrate to prisoners that their work has real value beyond the prison. Education and creativity are vital tools for rehabilitation – they encourage confidence, resilience and hope, all of which are essential for a successful future after release.”
UCM Principal, Jesamine Kelly, added: “It’s excellent to see the work of the learners at the Isle of Man Prison being recognised for the work they are putting in as part of the education programme, something they should all be very proud of.”
The exhibition will take place in the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre in London between Friday 31st October – Sunday 14th December, and has been curated Nigerian-born British poet, playwright, and performer Inua Ellams. The event will feature a selection of music, writing, fine art, craft and design by individuals in prisons, secure hospitals, young offender institutions and immigration removal centres, as well as people on community sentences and probation.
