Novus Learners Celebrate Success at the Koestler Awards 2024

Art and other creative pieces created by Novus learners have been recognised in this year's Koestler Awards. After a successful year at the 2023 Koestler Awards, learners were keen to enter again this year, and the results did not disappoint. 

The Koestler Awards are a well-established initiative across our prison sites, that hundreds of our learners enter each year. This year, we had an overwhelming number of entries across prison sites, where learners had the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skills!

The Koestler Awards 2024 

This year, over 40 Novus establishments across England and Wales, have received awards from the Koestler Trust, with eleven pieces receiving the high recognition - Platinum Award. From painting to music composition, learners have been able to create thought-provoking and artistically creative pieces, showcasing their skills and abilities. 

The Koestler Awards are run by prison arts charity the Koestler Trust. The awards aim to provide feedback and encouragement to entrants of all abilities in visual art, design, writing and music. 

Music technology learners at HMP Berwyn win Koestler Awards for excellence in computer-generated music

Learners from the music technology course at HMP Berwyn have achieved remarkable success at the 2024 Koestler Awards, earning recognition for their outstanding work in computer-generated music:

"I hear the Wolves (War)" - Created by one of the learners on the music course, the powerful original composition secured an Outstanding Debut Award in the computer-generated music category, also earning a £25 prize. 

"Sailaway" - A captivating singer-songwriter track created by another learner who won the prestigious Original Outstanding Debut Award, along with a £25 prize. 

Additionally, three students were honoured with commended awards for their electronic music pieces: "Chain of Fools", "Heavy Rush" and "Link in the Chain". 

Music tutor, Ian Jones expressed his pride in the learner's achievements, stating:

I am proud of all diverse compositions that are produced here in music. It proves that everything doesn't have to be hip-hop/rap/drill. All music is good regardless of the flavour. Music is food for the mind, body and soul! 

A special thank you goes to our Music Technology Mentor William, for his patience and encouragement which enabled the learner's creative piece "Sailaway" to be produced and submitted.

Creative opportunities for all learners 

The Koestler Awards are a vast awards initiative that all learners can take part in, no matter the course that they are on. Learners who take part in the Koestler Awards gain more than just an award. They are offered the unique opportunity to showcase their creativity, as well as share their experiences with the wider community, and put their skills and learning to the test which we want all learners to have access to no matter the course.

Incorporating arts and enrichment across all of our curriculum areas is key to engaing with our learners. To read more about how we are engaging learners using creative enrichment, take a look at our 2024/25 Creative Enrichment Strategy.