On My Plate: A Koestler Arts exhibition by women in the criminal justice system, will take place at South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell from 21 January to 5 March, 2023.

Koestler Arts is the UK’s best-known prison arts charity. They have been championing and exhibiting artwork from the criminal justice system for 60 years. This exhibition is in partnership with the University of Surrey’s ESRC-funded Doing Porridge project – a large sociological study putting a spotlight on women’s experiences of food across four UK prisons. On My Plate exhibits a mixture of pieces entered into the annual Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice, and artistic outcomes from the Doing Porridge project.

The result of this collaboration between Koestler Arts and the University of Surrey is a creative, culinary exhibition about food inside and outside the criminal justice system. Every artwork on display was made in a women’s prison, young offender institution or by women in secure hospitals. Their vibrant creations reveal the many memories and meanings that food can hold – joyful, tantalizing, nostalgic, complicated… The materials used are often inventive and resourceful, from snack wrappers to Marmite!

On My Plate spans two ground floor galleries at South Hill Park – the Mirror Gallery and the Studio Gallery. Visitors can also explore the rest of this lively arts centre, which is home to two theatres, a cinema, artist studios and a café, all set within beautiful parkland.

“We were delighted when University of Surrey approached us to collaborate on their research project. Food is the most universal of subjects and it is often a popular topic among entries to the annual Koestler Awards – but we have never staged a food-themed show, until now! The women’s artworks on display at South Hill Park are by turns fun and thought-provoking and we hope visitors enjoy exploring them.”
Sally Taylor, Chief Executive of Koestler Arts

“I’m delighted that the University of Surrey is collaborating with Koestler Arts on the ‘Doing Porridge’ research project, and this exhibition helps to highlight the important issue of food in women’s prisons. It provides insights into the role of food, what it represents, and how women relate to food within the criminal justice system. The Doing Porridge project aims to improve the quality of food and eating experiences in women’s prisons and this art exhibition enables viewers to gain a visceral understanding of this important issue.”

Professor Bran Nicol, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at University of Surrey

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On My Plate
South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell,
Berkshire, RG12 7PA
Opening hours:
21 January – 5 March 2023
Mon-Sat 9am-11pm
Sun & bank holidays 9am-10.30pm
Free entry