2012 Koestler Awards at Tramway

This afternoon, I attended the opening of the "Insight & Outlook" exhibition which showcases artwork and writing from people in prisons, secure hospitals, secure children's homes and criminal justice services throughout Scotland.  The selected exhibits were entries to the 2012 Koestler Awards, a charitable project founded in 1962. It was curated by young care leavers from Glasgow's Leaving Care Services with support from the artist David Shrigley.

 

Representatives of the Koestler Trust, David Shrigley, Representative from the Scottish Prisons Service, Representative from the Cooperative, a main sponsor 
and two of the young care leavers.

During my look around the exhibition, I was fortunate to meet up with a campaigner against nuclear weapons, Barbara Dowling, who has been arrested at various protests. She shared her experience at Greenock Prison and highlighted the benefits of accessing the art facilities with support available from a tutor from Motherwell College.

Barbara Dowling and her painting of Bluebell Woods.

This exhibition is on from 3rd - 25th November 2012. There is a special award for artworks chosen by public votes.

Useful links:

The Koestler Exhibition - http://www.koestlertrust.org.uk/pages/scotland2012/exhibscot2012.html