Art Not Evidence

Preventing the indiscriminate use of creative expression as evidence in court.

Info

Partners

Art Not Evidence

Industry

Law Cultural

Disciplines

BrandingDigital DesignStorytelling

Selected Press

The Guardian

MPs oppose rap lyrics being used as evidence in UK trials.

Rolling Stone UK

MPs and DJs back campaign to oppose rap lyrics being used as evidence in criminal trials.

NME

IDLES, Annie Mac and more back campaign for ban on rap lyrics being used in court.

The Times

Concern over use of drill music in court.

DAZED

How Black British rappers are being censored by the police.

Team

Rossouw Oosthuizen Elsa Monteith Abb-d Taiyo

Special Thanks...

Elli Brazzill Keir Monteith

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.