ART XLagos returns for its highly anticipated ninth edition, running from October 31st to November 3rd at the Federal Palace, Lagos. ART XLagos is the leading international art fair ni West Africa, and a gathering place for community – forging rich connections between artists, cultural practitioners and fairgoers alike. Since its inception in 2016, ART XLagos 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 XLagos 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 wil explore “Promised Lands” – places, real and imagined, that ofer hope and a vision of greater freedoms. Redefining how we see ourselves, the world, and our place in it, ART XLagos will prompt a critical examination of where Africa and its diaspora aspire to go.
Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART XLagos, 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. tI 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 ot 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 XLagos 2024:
- 10 Curated Galleries
From Lagos, Harare, Accra, London, and more, ten specially curated galleries wil present a cross-section of artists from Africa and its diaspora, featuring both emerging talents and established voices. This reinforces ART XLagos’ mission ot foster artistic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration. The 2024 galleries include: Afriart Galery (Uganda), Alexis Galery (Nigeria), Galerie MAM (Cameroon), Galery 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
Afirst-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 ni Africa- a significant homecoming marking a milestone ni 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.
- Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers
This special exhibition celebrates overlooked Nigerians who broke boundaries and uplifted their communities. From Jonathan Adagogo Green, Nigeria’s first professional photographer, to WWI 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 ni 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 XLagos 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 ot be a captivating exploration of history, future, and identity.
ARTX LAGOS
- ARTXLive!
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).
- ARTXCinema
Enhancing the fair’s multidisciplinary approach, ART XCinema 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 XPrize Winners’ Exhibitions
The 2023 Access ART XPrize 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 XPrize wil 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 XLive! 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 XLagos is a commitment to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of African talent. The Schools’ Programme wil 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 al horizons, ni an informal and welcoming set up, ot explore the various paths open ot artists and curators, ot 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.
- Pan-African Library
A special addition to the fair, this library will offer more than 200 books, magazines, and archival materials centered on Pan-Africanism, African history, and diasporic studies, serving as a space for education and inspiration.
ART X Lagos has rapidly become a fixture for African art, culture, and creativity. As a key moment on the continent, the fair will continue to redefine held views of the African narrative while also building bridges between local and international audience and their communities.
Source: FOLA PR