Publish date: 22 January 2026
Creative work created through The Life Rooms’ arts and music programme has recently been recognised by the Koestler Awards, a national scheme that celebrates creativity in secure and custodial settings.
The awarded pieces were created during regular arts and music sessions led by the team at The Life Rooms in secure care. Staff support patients to take part in creative activity in a safe and structured way, helping them explore ideas, develop skills and express themselves. Many of the finished works reflect patients’ own experiences and therapeutic journeys. The awards recognise both the quality of the work produced and the dedication and expertise of the staff who make it all possible.
Seventeen pieces were recognised this year with certificates, with special honours going to:
- ‘Take Flight’ an original piece of music, which received the ‘Platinum’ award. The piece was developed by a patient attending sessions provided in partnership with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
- ‘The Life Rooms Graffiti Mural’ which received a ‘Gold’ award. The mural was developed by a small group of patients working alongside a professional graffiti artist.
- ‘Beach House’, ‘Perseverance’ and ‘Demo #1’ all received ‘Bronze’ awards. These original pieces of music, song and spoken word were developed through regular music sessions, and some of them shared during The Life Rooms ‘Showcase’ events.
Established in 1962, the Koestler Awards are the UK’s largest and longest-running arts awards for people in a range of settings, including those in secure hospitals. They cover a wide range of disciplines and are judged by professionals from the creative industries, providing independent recognition of artistic merit.
Recognition from the Koestler Awards highlights the value and importance of the creative and therapeutic activity offered by The Life Rooms in secure care.
Tracy Charnock, Art Teacher at The Life Rooms said: “We’re delighted to see this work recognised by the Koestler Awards. The creativity shown in these sessions reflects the commitment patients bring with them, and it’s a real privilege to support that process.”
This achievement celebrates the commitment of staff at The Life Rooms, demonstrating the positive role that arts-based activities can play alongside clinical care in supporting patients in secure care.
For more information about the awards, please visit the Koestler Arts webpage.
