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Having worked for the Koestler Trust for some time now I have first hand experience of the amazing work that they do, and the profound impact that their award scheme and exhibition has on all involved, prisoners, their families and the public, and how art is such aa inspiring road to rehabilitation and a positive future.

I'm fundraising to support an Exhibition Host at the Koestler Trust's 2017 exhibition at the Southbank Centre in September.

Each year, the Koestler Trust recruits a group of ex-prisoners to invigilate our annual exhibition alongside Southbank Centre’s own Host Team, 7 days a week for the 8-week run. The Exhibition Host programme enhances the public’s experience of the exhibition, as well as providing participants with a strong piece of work experience for their CV and a chance to develop new skills and build up their confidence for future employment.

The role will involve standard invigilation duties – welcoming visitors to the exhibition, ensuring their safety and security, handing out exhibition guides, voting cards and providing advice on the sales of works plus much more:

• Conducting tours of the exhibition with Koestler ex prisoner Hosts.
• Working in the Exhibition's Pop-up Shop.
• Learning customer service and team-working skills.
• Providing an exceptional visitor experience of the Exhibition.
• The opportunity to be involved 'behind the scenes' in the exhibition process - from installation to deinstallation.
  

We hope that with your generous donation we will be able to recruit, train and employ even more Exhibition Hosts this year, building their self-confidence and giving them a pathway into further employment.

Impact on the Exhibition Hosts

‘Following Brian’s attachment with the
Koestler Trust his confidence has grown and he has become more pro-active in seeking employment. Brian is currently working with a welding company, a position he sought himself and has been asked to design a company logo.’ Brian, 2016 Exhibition Host’s Police Offender Manager.

‘Just to say the exhibition and the tour guide was superb, funny and informative whilst sharing insights of inside life’ 2016 exhibition visitor.