ART X LAGOS 2024: West Africa’s Leading International Art Fair Returns for the Ninth Edition 31 October – 3 November

ART X Lagos returns for its highly anticipated ninth edition, running from October 31st to November 3rd at the Federal Palace, Lagos. ART X Lagos is the leading international art fair in West Africa, and a gathering place for community – forging rich connections between artists, cultural practitioners and fairgoers alike.

Since its inception in 2016, ART X Lagos has showcased artists from over 70 countries, firmly establishing itself as the leading hub for African and diaspora creatives. Celebrated for its innovative programming, ART X Lagos has emerged as a vital platform spotlighting Africa’s art, culture and creativity on the global stage. Against a backdrop of political and socio-economic difficulties being experienced across Africa and further afield, this year’s theme will explore “Promised Lands” – places, real and
imagined, that offer hope and a vision of greater freedoms.

Redefining how we see ourselves, the world, and our place in it, ART X Lagos will prompt a critical examination of where Africa and its diaspora aspire to go. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled to present an exceptional lineup of artists, exhibitions and galleries for our ninth edition, representing the diverse and dynamic voices emerging from all corners of Africa and the diaspora.’Promised Lands’ is a theme that resonates deeply with our collective journey-reflecting on where we are and envisioning where we aspire to be. It was crucial for us to create a platform that not only anchors the African art movement but also drives meaningful conversations about the social, political, and cultural landscapes of our continent. We remain dedicated to creating an absolutely cannot-miss experience for
our artists, cultural partners, gallerists, collectors and visitors from Africa, and around the world.”

Key Highlights for ART X Lagos 2024:
• 10 C u r a t e d Galleries
From Lagos, Harare, Accra, London, and more, ten specially curated galleries will present a cross-section of
artists from Africa and its diaspora, featuring both emerging talents and established voices. This reinforces
ART X Lagos’ mission to foster artistic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2024 galleries
include: 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).
• Speakers’ Corner: The Crossroads
A first-of-its-kind participatory experience, ‘The Crossroads’ invites visitors to reflect on pivotal questions,
forming a tapestry of voices and shared hopes. Conceived by Papa Omotayo and curated with Haily
Grenet, Fikayo Adebajo, and Dike Anthony, this transformative space encourages every attendee to
contribute and make their mark.
• Restless Cities: From Lagos to the World
Celebrated Lagos-born, New York-based photographer and filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu presents his
first-ever solo exhibition in Africa—a significant homecoming marking a milestone in his career. The
exhibition explores African cities as dynamic hubs, reflecting shared human connections and the
movement of people, ideas, and culture. Curated by Papa Omotayo, Tega Okiti, Haily Grenet, and
Fikayo Adebajo.
• M a r k – M a k e r s : U n s u n g P i o n e e r s
This special exhibition celebrates overlooked Nigerians who broke boundaries and uplifted their
communities. From Jonathan Adagogo Green, Nigeria’s first professional photographer, to WWII resistance
fighter August Agboola Browne, and Nana Asma’u, who revolutionized women’s education, these pioneers
exemplify resilience and innovation. Curated by Missla Libsekal and with historical consultancy by Ed
Keazor, the exhibition honors individuals who redefined possibilities for Africans in science, art, and social
activism.
• Social Fabrics, Sustainable Threads: Marcellina Akpojotor
This project spotlights Nigerian artist Marcellina Akpojotor, whose use of discarded textiles addresses
Lagos’s significant textile waste while exploring themes of sustainability and cultural identity. Her sustain-
able, circular approach, rooted in local traditions, exemplifies how creativity can tackle environmental
challenges and drive meaningful social change.
• Breaking Barriers by Williams Chechet
Nigerian pop artist and cultural commentator Williams Chechet brings his distinctive Afro-futurist lens to
ART X Lagos 2024 with his new exhibition “Breaking Barriers.” This project imagines a future where
Nigerians and Africans navigate the momentum of social change through the fusion of art, culture, and
activism. Curated by Haily Grenet and Fikayo Adebajo, this promises to be a captivating exploration of
history, future, and identity.
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LAGOS
• ART X Live!
The fair’s one-of-a-kind live music and art experience returns for a night of exceptional storytelling.
Curated by Lanre Masha and Ayo Lawson, this edition connects the dots between Nigeria’s past, present,
and future sounds. Attendees can expect a concert experience where traditional Fuji music meets
contemporary genres, featuring performances by Adewale Ayuba, Cruel Santino (aka Santi), and other
multi-hyphenate African artists, with creative direction from visual artist Niyi Okeowo and producer
Odunsi (The Engine).
• ART X Cinema
Enhancing the fair’s multidisciplinary approach, ART X Cinema presents a curated selection of 13 films by a
new generation of African and diaspora filmmakers and artists. Curated by Tega Okiti, this program
showcases storytellers whose works challenge and illuminate the trajectories of African and
African-descended people worldwide.
• Access ART X Prize Winners’ Exhibitions
The 2023 Access ART X Prize winners, Julius Agbaje (Nigeria) and Shabu Mwangi (Africa/Diaspora), will
present the exhibition, “What May Come,” curated by Jumoke Sanwo, exploring societal challenges and
envisioning hopeful futures. Additionally, the Access ART X Prize will present a retrospective showcasing
the growth and impact of the past eight winners, highlighting their milestones and the Prize’s lasting
influence on their careers and the African arts landscape.
• ART X Talks
ART X Talks is a platform for diverse perspectives on African art and critical issues across the continent and
diaspora. This year’s program includes a conversation with filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu on storytelling, a
collaboration between ART X Live! and Native exploring the influence of traditional African music on
youth culture, and a discussion with Ed Keazor and Missla Libsekal, curators of the Mark-Makers
exhibition.
• The Schools’ Programme
At the heart of ART X Lagos is a commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of African
talent. The Schools’ Programme will reach 750 students from underserved communities across Lagos,
expanding their access to art and inspiring creativity. This initiative ensures that art becomes a vehicle for
education and empowerment for young Africans.
• The Development Forum
The Development Forum aims at bridging the gap between young art practitioners and the art industry.
Working as an orientation, The Development Forum is a conversation that brings together emerging artists
and art professionals from all horizons, in an informal and welcoming set up, to explore the various paths
open to artists and curators, to build and advance their careers within the art ecosystem. It’s an
opportunity for all to learn, share, network and be inspired.
• Art Across Borders: Afreximbank Collaboration
Curated by Jumoke Sanwo, this exhibition delves into African imagination and interconnectedness,
featuring six mid-career artists from Africa and the Caribbean, highlighting the continent’s creative
influence across the globe.