Koestler Arts: Rock, Paper, Scissors Exhibition 2026
Opening this autumn in London, Koestler Arts: Rock, Paper, Scissors presents a powerful and thought-provoking showcase of artwork created by individuals within the UK criminal justice system. Running from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 29 October 2026, this annual cultural highlight offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the immense creativity, resourcefulness, and humanity flourishing in secure settings across the nation.
The Concept Behind Rock, Paper, Scissors
The 2026 exhibition takes its inspiration from the universal game of chance, tension, and balance: Rock, Paper, Scissors. Interrogating themes of strength, fragility, conflict, and outcome, the curated selection draws upon varied mediums to tell compelling stories. From heavy, carved materials and sculptural works symbolising weight and confinement, to delicate papercraft, sketches, and embroidered textiles, each piece responds uniquely to the everyday realities and emotional landscapes of secure environments.
What to Expect at the Exhibition
Every year, Koestler Arts invites submissions from prisons, young offender institutions, secure psychiatric hospitals, and community justice settings across the UK. The resulting display is one of London's most moving visual art experiences. Visitors can expect:
- Visual Artworks: Striking paintings, drawings, ceramics, and mixed-media sculptures chosen from thousands of nationwide entries.
- Written Word and Poetry: Inspiring creative writing, lyrics, and audio recordings offering direct, personal reflections from the artists.
- Exhibition Tours: Insightful guided walkthroughs often led by former prisoners trained as specialist arts guides, offering firsthand perspectives on arts in rehabilitation.
- Koestler Arts Pop-Up Shop: A curated space offering catalogues, cards, and selected artworks available for purchase, supporting the ongoing creative development of participants.
A Free Cultural Highlight for Greater London
Staged in one of London’s prominent cultural quarters on the South Bank, the exhibition remains entirely free to the public, underscoring Koestler Arts' mission to spark open dialogue between people in the criminal justice system and the wider community. It challenges preconceptions, champions rehabilitation through the arts, and provides a stage for voices that are too often unheard.
Visitor Information
Plan your visit to this limited-run October event:
- Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 29 October 2026
- Admission: Free entry, no advance booking required for general admission
- Location: Central London / Southbank cultural area, Greater London
- Accessibility: Full step-free access and audio-described exhibition features available throughout the venue
