Resolve Collective Cancels Barbican Exhibition Over Censorship Claims

Resolve Collective has withdrawn its exhibition 'Them's the Breaks' from London's Barbican Centre immediately, citing censorship and hostile encounters. The London-based interdisciplinary design collective—comprising Akil Scafe-Smith, Seth Amani Scafe-Smith, and Melissa Haniff—made the decision after a Barbican communications staff member asked Radio AlHara co-founder Elias Anastas to avoid topics like 'free Palestine' ahead of a scheduled talk with Nihal El Assar on 15 June. The Barbican apologized for the incident, which it described as technical difficulties leading to the event's cancellation. Resolve Collective also reported multiple hostile interactions from Barbican Front of House staff toward themselves, friends, family, and visitors during the exhibition's run. Originally set to continue until 16 July, the exhibition will be dismantled starting 26 June, with materials distributed to organizations and individuals. All upcoming public program events at the Barbican will cease, except the rescheduled Radio AlHara talk. The collective aims to leave the Curve Gallery bare as a physical reminder of their and Radio AlHara's experiences, holding the institution accountable for unmet promises.