Publish date: 12 December 2025
Two service users in the care of West London Forensic Services (WLFS) have had their artwork selected for display in the prestigious 2025 Koestler Arts Exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank. Out of more than 7,000 entries nationwide, their paintings were chosen among 200 pieces curated by acclaimed poet and playwright Inua Ellams.
The Koestler Awards are the UK’s national awards for arts created by people in secure settings, including prisons, secure hospitals and probation services. Each year, thousands of entries are judged by leading artists, making selection a major achievement.
Both artists - one from Low Secure services and another from the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT), who attends a community art therapy group - visited the exhibition in person to see their work on display.
“I love the process of making art, imagining the feelings in the images, and creating.”
Recognition and confidence
For many, the recognition is as meaningful as the creative process itself.
“Receiving feedback from Koestler is a comfort to me. It feels reassuring that people have listened to me and that my welfare has been considered and is important. I feel that people have understood me.”
In addition to the two exhibition selections, seven other service users received nine prizes, including one individual who earned three awards. Another service user had a poem selected for publication in the Koestler Anthology.
Regina Okeke, a Psychological Therapies Assistant for West London Forensic Services, said: “Each year we are amazed by the incredible talent and achievements of our service users.’ Creativity plays a vital role in recovery, helping people build confidence, a sense of identity and connection with the world around them. Being recognised by the Koestler Awards is a significant milestone and a testament to their hard work.”
The impact of Koestler Arts
Koestler Arts provides a platform for people in secure settings to share their creativity and connect with wider audiences. Its annual awards scheme spans 52 categories, from poetry and painting to sculpture and music, offering certificates, feedback, cash prizes, and public exhibitions.
Survey data shows participants report increased confidence, hope, resilience, and well-being, highlighting the positive impact of the arts on recovery.
“I’ve been to the Koestler exhibition before; I saw and read some poems which inspired me to write and share mine,” said one of the service users involved.
“I like the whole ethos of Koestler Arts - it’s good that people experiencing troubled times have a chance to share their own inner workings,” said another.
Working with patients and communities
This success reflects our strategy of working closely with patients and our communities. By supporting creative opportunities such as art therapy and national exhibitions, we empower service users to express themselves, build confidence, and connect with wider communities.
These achievements show how collaboration and creativity can play a vital role in recovery and wellbeing, while strengthening the bonds between our services and the communities we serve.
The exhibition runs until 14 December at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank, with WLFS teams supporting visits so service users can experience their work in person.
