PRISONERS ON CREATE PROJECTS WIN NINE PRESTIGIOUS KOESTLER AWARDS 2026
We’re delighted to share the news that participants on our prison projects have been recognised with nine Koestler Awards, a huge achievement that celebrates the creative talent of those we work with.
This year, we’re proud that participants across our Free Inside, Inside Stories and My Parents in Prison projects in County Durham, Surrey and Wolverhampton have been honoured with awards in categories ranging from jewellery-making and music to writing, recording and illustrating original stories for children.
Multiple KOESTLER AwardS for MUSICAL COLLABORATIONS
Our highest accolade this year – a Bronze Award – was awarded to Kaelele, a cover version created by women at HMP & YOI Low Newton during our Free Inside project. This musical work showcases the exceptional collaboration and performance skills developed by participants across four days of intensive workshops.
The participants also received a Highly Commended Award for their cover version of Country Road, alongside three Commended Awards for their cover versions of Blue Moon, Hallelujah and Lead With Love.
“[The project] helped my happiness and wellbeing. Being part of the [project] has helped my mental health.”
– Participant, Free Inside
hIGHLY COMMENDED KOESTLER AWARDS FOR CREATIVE WRITING AND ILLUSTRATION
Prisoners at HMP Oakwood received two Highly Commended Awards in the arts project category. One went to The Story Never Ends, an original story inspired by their own families, written, illustrated, recorded and then set to music by the participants during our Inside Stories project.
The second Highly Commended Award went to On the Horizon, a children’s book written and illustrated by participants on our My Parents in Prison project.
Each of these projects showcase the powerful storytelling, collaboration and emotional insight nurtured through our projects in prison.
COMMENDED KOESTLER AWARDS FOR CRAFTing excellence
At HMP Send, participants on our Free Inside project received two Commended Awards for jewellery that they created: a Trio of Paper Bead Earrings; and Gold and Pink Bracelet. These awards recognise the skill and talent of the participants, highlighting the importance of creating spaces for everyone to explore their creativity.
It’s important [to be creative] to be part of a community. People can be in their own world and do their own thing [but also] share different ideas.
Participant, Free Inside
At Create, we believe that creativity is a human right. These awards demonstrate the power of the arts to break down barriers, build confidence and allow people to tell their stories in their own words. For people in prison, this opportunity can be life-changing – helping to develop skills and support rehabilitation.
We’re incredibly proud of all our participants, and extend our thanks to our talented professional artists who led these projects with such care and commitment.
We would also like to thank Koestler Arts for continuing to champion creativity within prisons, and the many funders and prisons who help make this work possible.
And finally, a huge congratulations to this year’s Koestler Award winners. Your voices matter, and we’re honoured to help share them with the world.
Nicky Goulder MBE, Founding Chief Executive
Thank you to an Anonymous donor, Boris Karloff Charitable Foundation, The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust, The Edward Cadbury Charitable Trust and Michael & Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust for making this work possible.
