FREE
Koestler Trust
50th Annual UK Exhibition
FREE is the UK's annual showcase of visual arts, film, music and writing by prisoners and others in secure settings. It is the fifth annual exhibition in an ongoing artistic partnership between Southbank Centre and the Koestler Trust.
The exhibition was opened by Nick Hardwick, HM Chief Inspector of Prisons on the 19th September.
Sarah Lucas
Our 50th anniversary curator
Over the last 5 years the exhibitions have been
curated by people with a broad range of experiences
– victims of crime, serving prisoners, young offenders
and magistrates. This year's exhibition has been
shaped by the artist Sarah Lucas, who brings her own
perspective to the selection and display of the works.
Lucas has selected pieces that spoke to her – that
cried out to be seen – from thousands of submissions
from across the UK's criminal justice system to the
50th anniversary Koestler Awards.
More about curating the 2012 exhibition
Art Sales
The Koestler Trust sells artworks when both the artist and
establishment give permission. Sales help to motivate entrants
to positive achievement, showing them that their skills can have
real value.
More on how to buy the work
Exhibition Tours
Led by ex-offender interns
Tuesdays and Thursdays 6.30pm
Saturdays 3pm
Free, no booking necessary
Visitor votes
There are special Koestler Awards for the artworks that receive
the most public votes. Voting cards were available at the exhibition
entrance or from Southbank Centre staff and the comments were forwarded (anonymously) to the artists. It means a huge amount
to artists in prisons and other secure settings to know that their
work is being seen and appreciated.
View the results
DATES
20 September - 25 November
Open: 10am – 11pm
VENUE
Admission free
Spirit Level | Royal Festival Hall
Southbank Centre
London SE1 8XX