L-R: Stephen Kauma (Director, Afreximbank); Roosevelt Ogbonna (Managing Director, Access Bank Plc); Dundun Peterside (Managing Partner, Narita); Tokini Peterside-Schwebig (Founder, ART X); Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Atedo Peterside (Chairman, Anap Jets); Bolaji Balogun (CEO, Chapel Hill Denham); and Olumide Oyetan (Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers)
Lagos, Nigeria – ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair, wrapped up its ninth edition on a high note, inviting audiences on a profound journey of self-reflection, cultural exploration, and historical discovery. From October 31, with a Collector Preview that set the tone, to a weekend of impactful programming and installations, the fair gathered art lovers, collectors, and creatives from across the globe. Thousands of attendees were immersed in ART X Lagos’ special projects, installations, and interactive spaces that encouraged them to imagine and chart their paths toward their personal “Promised Lands.”
The exhibitors at ART X Lagos this year showcased an impressive array of works by leading contemporary artists from Africa and the diaspora, providing visitors with a profound and multifaceted view of African artistic expression. The galleries presented were: Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Alexis Gallery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Affinity Art Gallery (Nigeria), Kanbi Projects (UK), kó (Nigeria), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), ODA Art Gallery (Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK).
This year’s fair also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, a longtime sponsor and patron of the fair, leaving guests deeply moved and appreciative of his contributions to Nigeria’s art and cultural landscape.
Speaking on the fair’s success, ART X Lagos founder Tokini Peterside-Schwebig said, “This year’s ART X Lagos was a collective journey of discovery, memory, and future-making. By engaging with our history, sharing our dreams, and bringing together diverse voices, we aimed to inspire guests to see that the ‘Promised Lands’ is a destination we can all contribute to. We are grateful to everyone who joined us on this meaningful journey.”
The fair’s historical special project, Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers, offered an inspiring tribute to “unknown heroes” of Nigerian history—trailblazers whose contributions shaped the nation yet remain relatively uncelebrated. Innovators like Professor Augustine Njoku-Obi, the creator of a cholera vaccine, and Mohammed Bah-Abba, whose invention preserved food in rural communities, were honored as visionaries who uplifted their communities through science and ingenuity. The exhibit also celebrated Jelani Aliyu, a pioneering electric vehicle designer; Afi Ekong-Attah, Nigeria’s first female gallery owner; pioneering photographer Jonathan Adagogo Green; freedom fighter August Agboola Browne; renowned poet Nana Asma’u; and musician Oladunni Oduguwa. Together, these extraordinary individuals redefined what was possible for Africans in fields as diverse as science, art, and social activism. This exhibit resonated with attendees, sparking curiosity and encouraging visitors to explore their cultural heritage.
The Crossroads special project encouraged guests to envision their “Promised Lands” through a reflective installation where attendees answered thought-provoking questions. Renowned poet Wana Udobang, known as Wana Wana, transformed these reflections into a live spoken-word piece, turning guests’ dreams and aspirations into powerful poetry, making their words resonate throughout the fair.
ART X Lagos’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of art lovers and creatives was evident, as hundreds of school children participated in the fair’s school’s hour, engaging with the Imagination Station and exploring art in interactive ways. This year’s ART X Live! blended generational talent, bringing together the iconic fuji veteran, Adewale Ayuba
Collectors and art lovers marveled at The Library, which boasted of 200 iconic African literature and art publications, including Black Orpheus, a magazine instrumental in the 1950s-60s Anglophone African literary movement. Attendees also explored vinyl records from Fuji music legends and offered a journey back in time, blending art and sound.
This edition of ART X Lagos also celebrated remarkable artistic achievements with the awarding of the Access ART X Prize Impact Award to Etinosa Yvonne, a Nigerian visual artist and a past winner of the Access Bank ART X Prize, whose work profoundly explores themes of resilience and identity. Yvonne received the award at the VIP Preview, an honor that acknowledges her exceptional impact and contributions to the art landscape.
Adding to the fair’s captivating lineup, ART X Cinema screened the acclaimed film, Mother of George by Andrew Dosunmu and 12 other selected works. Dosunmu’s cinematic work resonated deeply with viewers, adding a thought-provoking visual narrative to ART X Lagos’ diverse program.
Further enriching the fair, ART X Lagos continued its tradition of fostering knowledge and mentorship through The Development Forum and ART X Talks. These platforms brought together respected art veterans, curators, and thought leaders who shared valuable insights with emerging talents. ART X Lagos is not only committed to the growth of its immediate community but also serves as a bridge for artists across the continent, creating pathways for African art to reach new audiences and territories through its program Art Across Borders. Through this, ART X Lagos is breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of creatives to envision African art as a vibrant, interconnected landscape.
The ninth edition of ART X Lagos successfully captivated audiences with a platform that not only showcased extraordinary art but also invited guests to dream and imagine their paths forward.
ART X Lagos will return for its tenth edition in 2025 from 6th to 9th November 2025.
ART X Lagos 2024 Sponsors
Gold Sponsor: Access Corporation
Silver Sponsor: Afreximbank
Bronze Sponsors: Chapel Hill Denham, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Anap Jets, NBA Africa, emPLE
ART X Live! Co-Sponsor: EnjoyCorp
Schools’ Programme Sponsor: ZTL Liquids Transfer Ltd
Category Sponsor: Bombay Sapphire
Galleries at ART X Lagos 2024
Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Alexis Gallery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), Affinity Art Gallery (Nigeria), Kanbi Projects (UK), kó (Nigeria), Nike Art Gallery (Nigeria), ODA Art Gallery (Nigeria) and Tiwani Contemporary (UK).
About ART X Lagos
ART X Lagos was created to showcase and support the breadth of contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, the fair has since become a cornerstone of the African art sector. The first of its kind in West Africa, ART X Lagos goes beyond the traditional bounds of an art fair, and has become renowned for its ambitious programme that includes ART X Cinema, ART X Talks, ART X Live! and specially curated projects which have featured an array of emerging and established artists from over 70 countries across the continent and diaspora.
For more information, visit artxlagos.com, Instagram @artxlagos.
Press Contacts
Oyinda Bankole
Press Team, ART X Lagos
press@artxlagos.com
