We are delighted to announce an unusual exhibition in our ‘Art in the Bar’ series.  During the production of ‘Bell, Book and Candle’ (and for a few weeks afterwards), visitors can see artworks created by inmates at the Albany site at HMP Isle of Wight.

Education in the Creative Arts at HMP Isle of Wight is provided by Milton Keynes College (MKC), which currently offers NCFE courses in Art & Design at Levels 1 & 2. These courses can eventually lead to self-employment and act as a solid basis for subsequent vocational training.

Albany has always been renowned for its artwork.  Visitors will confirm that the environment is enriched by an array of murals and artwork located throughout the prison.

Albany has also been very successful in entering works for the annual Koestler Arts Awards, run by The Koestler Trust, the UK’s best known Prison Arts charity.  Its aim is to support offenders, secure patients and detainees in leading more positive lives by motivating them to participate and achieve in the arts.  This year alone, Albany entered over 200 pieces of visual art and written works and won 4 Platinum Awards – the highest achievable accolade.  No other establishment in the UK received as many prestigious awards.

This year, Koestler’s annual Art Exhibition will be held at the Southbank Centre, London from September until November, and there will be opportunities to purchase prisoners’ work.  For further information please go to www.koestlertrust.org.uk

We hope that you enjoy looking at this selection of students’ work.

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