ART X Lagos 2024: West African Art Fair returns with exciting 9th edition

By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi

ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair, returns for its ninth edition from October 31 to November 3, 2024, at The Federal Palace in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Since its inception in 2016, the fair has presented artistes from over 70 countries, positioning itself as a vital platform for African and diaspora creatives.

ART X Lagos was established to spotlight contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig in 2016, it has since become a cornerstone of the African art industry.

Beyond a traditional art fair, it features ART X Cinema, ART X Talks, ART X Live!, and special projects displaying artistes from over 70 countries.

This year, the fair continues its commitment to African art, culture, and community, while creating important conversations about the social and political forces shaping the continent.

The fair is open to the public from November 2 to November 3, with a VIP Preview on November 1 and a virtual experience on Artsy.net.

This year’s theme, “Promised Lands,” will examine imagined and real places offering hope and a vision of freedom, a timely topic against the current socio-economic and political challenges across Africa.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, the founder of ART X Lagos, explained, “’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.”

Highlights of ART X Lagos 2024

The fair features a diverse range of curated galleries, engaging exhibitions, live performances, and insightful discussions:

• Galleries and Exhibitions: Ten curated galleries from cities including Lagos, Harare, Accra, and London will showcase a cross-section of African and diaspora artists. Participating galleries include Afriart Gallery (Uganda), Gallery 1957 (Ghana), and Tiwani Contemporary (UK), emphasizing ART X Lagos’ dedication to artistic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Speakers’ Corner – The Crossroads: This interactive space invites attendees to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges, creating a tapestry of shared voices and hopes. Curated by Papa Omotayo with collaborators Haily Grenet, Fikayo Adebajo, and Dike Anthony, it encourages discussions on important societal questions.
• Mark-Makers: Unsung Pioneers: This exhibition, curated by Missla Libsekal, Fikayo Adebajo, and Haily Grenet with historian Ed Keazor, honors African trailblazers in science, art, and activism, such as Jonathan Adagogo Green and Nana Asma’u.
• Restless Cities: From Lagos to the World: Renowned photographer and filmmaker Andrew Dosunmu presents his first solo exhibition in Africa, exploring the beauty of Nigerian cities as progressive, connected spaces.
• ART X Live!: Curated by Lanre Masha and Ayo Lawson, this live music experience blends traditional and contemporary sounds. Visual artist Niyi Okeowo and producer Odunsi (The Engine) provide creative direction, fusing Fuji music with contemporary genres.
• ART X Cinema and ART X Talks: A selection of 13 films by African filmmakers will be featured, along with discussions by prominent figures, including a conversation with Andrew Dosunmu and panels on the impact of African music genres on contemporary pop culture.
• Special Exhibitions: “Art Across Borders: Where to Go,” in collaboration with Afreximbank, showcases works by African and Caribbean artists delving into ancestral connections and future possibilities.

In addition to these exhibitions, ART X Lagos offers educational programs, including a Schools’ Programme and Development Forum, to nurture emerging African talent.

For more information, visit artxlagos.com or follow on Instagram at @artxlagos.