How creative learning supports prison education: reflections on the Koestler Arts exhibition

The recent Koestler Arts exhibition, Night Owls and Abstractions, at the Southbank Centre showcased around 200 artworks created by people in the criminal justice system. The exhibition offered a powerful look at how creative learning contributes to rehabilitation, skill development and personal growth within prison education. Several Novus sites had pieces included among the wider collection, demonstrating the creative activity taking place across the settings where we deliver.

How creative learning enhances prison education

Creative learning is a core part of high quality prison education. It supports learners to build confidence, strengthen concentration and develop new ways of expressing ideas. At Novus, Creative Enrichment spans all curriculum areas because creativity helps people think differently and engage more deeply with their studies.

Encouraging confidence and curiosity

Creative tasks encourage experimentation and curiosity. They allow learners to try new techniques, explore different materials and discover strengths that can support future learning.

Supporting wider skill development

Arts based activity helps develop problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills. These qualities support progress across English, maths, vocational subjects and personal development.

The role of arts in rehabilitation

Arts based education is widely recognised as an important tool in rehabilitation. It offers a sense of purpose, encourages self reflection and helps learners develop positive habits such as focus, persistence and resilience.

A space for self expression

For many people in custody, creative work provides a safe and structured space to express emotions and ideas. This supports mental wellbeing and contributes to personal growth.

Building motivation for future learning

Completing a piece of artwork, submitting it for consideration or seeing it displayed publicly can be a motivating experience. It shows learners that their contributions have value and that their ideas can reach beyond the classroom.

Koestler Arts exhibition and prison education

The Koestler Awards welcome entries from prisons and secure settings across the country. While not every artwork in the exhibition was produced by a Novus learner, the presence of work from our sites highlights the commitment to creative opportunity across the environments where we deliver.

Sharing work with a wider audience

Taking part in the Koestler Awards gives learners a chance to share their creativity on a national stage. This experience reinforces a sense of achievement and helps learners see how their work resonates with others.

A wide range of creative disciplines

The exhibition featured painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, writing and digital media. This variety reflects the breadth of creative talent across the criminal justice system and the importance of enabling learners to explore different avenues of expression.

Creative Enrichment across Novus sites

Creative Enrichment remains a key part of how we support learners in prison education. It complements academic and vocational learning by helping people discover new interests and unlock potential.

A commitment to high quality prison education

We continue to strengthen creative opportunities across our sites, ensuring that learners can access activities that support rehabilitation and help build the foundations for a positive future. For more information visit our creative enrichment strategy page.