Mural Arts Philadelphia and Fair and Just Prosecution announced the public exhibition of the groundbreaking Artist-in-Residence program at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) featuring the creations of artist James “Yaya” Hough. The 10-month residency culminated with works of public art that explore the human toll of incarceration and highlight the importance of creating alternatives to a punitive and incarceration-driven justice system. PBS NewsHour filmed a story in January 2019, but it never aired because of COVID. After the press event today, they finally aired the piece.
Philadelphia DA explores new role for arts in the criminal justice system
Mixing art with criminal justice has become increasingly common in the U.S. The work often tackles complex subjects of redemption and reform. Jeffrey Brown traveled to Philadelphia to explore a program that brought art to an unexpected part of the justice system: the office of the city’s top prosecutor.
