Art X Lagos, now West Africa’s largest art fair, marked its ninth year with record attendance and an expanded vision. The fair, held from October 31 to November 3 at Lagos’s Federal Palace Hotel, attracted visitors eager to experience its rich variety of art programs, offering far more than visual art displays alone.
The fair’s founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, explained the purpose behind the diverse programming, telling ARTnews it encourages people to think “more broadly about how we contribute” and engage with contemporary social issues. This year’s projects included the Development Forum, a mentorship program aimed at nurturing young African artists, helping them grow in a challenging market. Program director Jumoke Sanwo remarked, “Artists lack mentorship, and they need the opportunity to learn from artists practicing on the continent.”
As African art gains international interest, emerging artists receive substantial attention from collectors. One collector commented, “For African artists, you have to pay close attention to the young ones because if you don’t move quickly, international buyers get there before you.”
Highlighting its support for new talent, Art X Lagos offers the Access Art X Prize, granting residencies and financial awards to promising Nigerian and diasporic artists. Patrick Akpojotor, winner of the first award in 2016, credited it with changing his career, saying, “Truly my life changed—and an important thing is I got champions.”
The fair’s curator-at-large, Missla Libsekal, underscored the value of this diverse program lineup in uniting artists, collectors, and curators. Through the “Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers” exhibition, curated by Libsekal, Art X Lagos celebrated a wide range of African pioneers, from photographers to doctors.
Art X Live brought music to the forefront, with live performances by African musicians that echoed this year’s theme, “Promised Lands.” According to Libsekal, this open-ended theme invites introspection, and she emphasized, “It’s not so intimidating.”
With notable gallery booths showcasing emerging African talent and a focus on inclusivity, Art X Lagos exemplifies how multi-dimensional programs can enhance the art experience. As Libsekal put it, African art “can be in textile…in music…in hair—anywhere.” The fair’s innovative approach highlights a dynamic art scene that continues to flourish.