Barbican LONDON: June 10, 2026 — Project a Black Planet: The Art and Culture of Panafrica, a highly anticipated summer exhibition at the Barbican in London, will take place from June 11 to September 6, 2026. This event marks the first major international showcase dedicated to exploring the rich cultural expressions of Pan-Africanism from the 20th century to the present day.

A notable feature of the exhibition is a photograph of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (August 15, 1875 – September 1, 1912), an exceptional composer and conductor who grew up in Croydon, South London. He made a significant impact on music during his lifetime. The photograph, on loan from the EMI Archive Trust, will be displayed in the exhibition area titled “Interiors.”

Coleridge-Taylor’s music masterfully blended traditional African and Caribbean folk melodies with European classical forms. He not only celebrated his heritage through his compositions but also utilised his artistry as a powerful means to challenge racism.

At just 24 years old, Coleridge-Taylor was the youngest delegate at the inaugural Pan-African Conference, held at Westminster Town Hall in London in 1900. During this historic event, he engaged with leading Black intellectuals and activists, including American civil rights leader W.E.B. Du Bois and Canadian suffragist and educator Anna Julia Cooper.

Throughout his brief yet impactful life, Coleridge-Taylor remained committed to the principles of Pan-Africanism and racial equality. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of composers and artists, affirming that true talent knows no boundaries.

Participating artists include: 

El Anatsui, Fatma Arargi, Liz Johnson Artur, Kader Attia, Farid Belkahia, Christopher Cozier, Marlene Dumas, Inji Efflatoun, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Benedict Enwonwu, Dumile Feni, Samuel Fosso, Coco Fusco, Abdel Hadi Al Gazzar, Sonia Gomes, David Hammons, Lubaina Himid, Nicholas Hlobo, Claudette Johnson, William Kentridge, Wifredo Lam, Simone Leigh, Bertina Lopes, Ernest Mancoba, Sabelo Mlangeni, Ronald Moody, Azikiwe Mohammed, Kawira Mwirichia, Abdias do Nascimento, Iba N’Diaye, Grace Ndiritu, Malangatana Ngwenya, Everlyn Nicodemus, Magdalene Odundo, Chris Ofili, Colette Omogbai, Ingrid Pollard, Samir Rafi, Ibrahima Sanlé Sory, Gerard Sekoto, Cauleen Smith, Tavares Strachan, Papa Ibra Tall, The Otolith Group and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.

Visit Details
Location: The Art Gallery is located on Level 3, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS

Opens: Thursday 11 June to Sun 6 Sep 2026

Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some extended hours to 7:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays).

Tickets: Book HERE

Exhibition Book: “Project A Black Planet Exhibition Catalogue” co-edited and curated by Antawan I. Byrd, Elvira Dyangani Ose, Adom Getachew, and Matthew S. Witkovsk

Main Image:  Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, part of the EMI Archive Trust Collection