Banksy’s “Cut & Run” Exhibit Goes Phone‑Free with Yondr in Glasgow
How the world’s most famous street artist made his latest exhibit a distraction-free experience
In a time when gallery-goers often spend more time capturing than contemplating, Banksy made a radical decision: no phones allowed.
His 2023 solo exhibit, Cut & Run, at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA), was entirely phone-free—and powered by Yondr. Visitors locked away their phones in personal Yondr pouches at the entrance, trading selfies for stillness and screen-time for real-time. GoMA museum manager Gareth James explained the motivation simply:
“The point is not to view the show through a phone, or the phone of someone standing in front of you, but to see it for yourself.”
And visitors embraced it. Instead of facing a sea of screens, guests moved slowly, talked quietly, and immersed themselves in Banksy’s raw, political, and often deeply personal works.
Inside Cut & Run
The exhibit spanned 25 years of stencils, featuring original tools, design sketches, and behind-the-scenes elements from some of Banksy’s most iconic pieces:
The Glastonbury stab vest worn by Stormzy
The Sotheby’s shredder, used to destroy Girl with Balloon mid-auction
A recreated prison cell, inspired by Banksy’s mural on Reading Gaol
A pillow-fight mural originally painted on the West Bank barrier wall
Banksy himself revealed a rare personal note in the exhibit's opening statement:
“I’ve kept these stencils hidden away for years, mindful they could be used as evidence in a charge of criminal damage... But that moment seems to have passed.”
The Impact Was Immediate
180,000+ visitors over 10 weeks — making it GoMA’s most attended show ever
Extended overnight hours to meet demand, with doors open until 5 AM on weekends
Phones locked, but guests could take home a staff-shot Polaroid as a keepsake
The phone-free policy didn’t deter anyone—in fact, it enhanced the experience. Attendees described it as “intimate,” “more human,” and “unlike any gallery they’d been to before.”
Why Banksy Chose Yondr
Yondr creates spaces to be here now—whether in classrooms, courtrooms, concerts, or cultural spaces. By choosing Yondr, Banksy ensured:
Zero distractions or unauthorized photos
Complete focus on the art
A shared, screen-free atmosphere for reflection
In a world where most exhibits go viral before they even open, Banksy flipped the script—letting the experience speak for itself.
Want to Create a Phone-Free Experience? Yondr works with artists, institutions, and event organizers around the world to bring focus back to the moment.
Contact us to learn more about creating a phone-free gallery or cultural event.
