Art Not Evidence
Preventing the indiscriminate use of creative expression as evidence in court.
Challenge
With increasing frequency, courtrooms and prosecutors across the country have put lyrics, music videos, and audio recordings in front of juries to mislead towards criminal convictions. With over 100 cases in the UK since 2005, young Black men and boys are dragged into criminal charges, often under sweeping definitions of “gang” activity, affecting under-resourced, marginalised communities. Despite being known for its storytelling, symbolism and figurative language, police and prosecutors invite judge and jury to take rap music literally, as direct evidence of criminal intent or behaviour.
Impact
Art Not Evidence aims to prevent the institutional racism and discrimination seen in such cases. The branding and concept around redaction, expresses the severity of the issue through statements with double meanings. With this messaging, we aim to highlight and showcase how information can be skewed and misleading towards a particular narrative. One that clearly doesn’t benefit those affected communities. With Art Not Evidence, we aim to raise awareness and acknowledge the need for urgency, action and rallying support from judges, solicitors and affected community members.
