A new artwork exhibition which opens today at the Supreme Court will showcase the work of offenders and raise money to support victims of crime.
The free exhibition, PAPERWORK, has been curated by the Koestler Trust in collaboration with Victim Support, following an invitation by the Supreme Court Arts Trust, a new charity which uses art to explore the role of the courts and other legal institutions. The artwork has been selected from over 6,500 entries to this year’s Koestler Awards, an annual scheme that recognises artistic achievement in the criminal justice and secure sectors.
The artwork on display plays a key role in the rehabilitative process of offenders in prison, serving community sentences or in secure psychiatric care. This year, the Koestler Trust has collaborated with Victim Support to invite people affected by crime to respond to some of the works. Their responses can be viewed at the exhibition.
The artwork on display will go on sale to the general public and proceeds will support the work of the Koestler Trust and Victim Support.
Lucy Hastings, Director at Victim Support, said: “We are proud to be associated with the Koestler Trust and its work to help offenders understand the impact of their actions on the lives of victims.
“From supporting thousands of crime victims every year, we know that what people want most is that no-one else should suffer as they have, and so we welcome initiatives like this which help offenders change their lives.
“The money raised will help our specially trained staff and volunteers give more victims the practical help and emotional support they need to recover and move on from crime.”
Sir Anthony Salz, Chairman, UK Supreme Court Arts Trust, said:
“More than 20,000 people will visit the Supreme Court this summer and we are pleased to be able to arrange a platform for the Koestler Trust’s innovative work helping offenders reshape their lives while at the same time supporting those who have suffered as a result of crime. The exhibition provides an absorbing insight into the hearts and minds of a group of offenders, and importantly, of victims too.”
Sally Taylor, Chief Executive, Koestler Trust, said:
“We are delighted to have been invited by The Supreme Court Arts Trust to curate an exhibition in collaboration with Victim Support. This will enable large numbers of the public to appreciate the creativity, imagination and inventiveness of those in secure settings.”
Exhibition dates: 3 August – 30 September 2016
Opening times: 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday
Location: The Supreme Court, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3BD
This event is free to attend.