For ten years now, Lagos has emerged as a major global art destination, thanks largely to the success of Art X Lagos. The fair's founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, isn't surprised by this development, saying "what we're encountering now is precisely what I wanted to happen." Since its inception in 2016, Art X Lagos has aimed to reframe the narrative around Lagos and Nigeria, moving beyond the perception of a city that's only about difficulty.
The fair showcases multidisciplinary genres including art, music, literature, and film, hosting conversations, prize awards, and other events. It has grown to become an essential date on the global art fair calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from organizations like the Smithsonian, Tate, and Centre Pompidou. Art X Lagos has also played a crucial role in growing art scenes across Africa and sustaining the art market in Nigeria.
The fair's satellite program, Lagos Art Week, coincides with the main event every year, featuring several exhibitions, activations, and cultural events. Non-traditional art spaces are now intentionally activating around this period, further boosting the city's vibrant arts ecosystem. According to Ugonna Ibe, a curator and founder of Yenwa Gallery, "Art X Lagos has been the heartbeat of the ecosystem," having an economic impact that extends beyond the art world.
This year's edition of Art X Lagos, themed "Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide," featured returning initiatives like The Library and The Development Forum, as well as new initiatives such as Art X Icon and a masterclass on photography. The fair also showcased works by renowned Nigerian artists, including J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, whose career spanned over six decades and explored pivotal moments in Nigeria's history.
The fair has brought collectors to Lagos, bringing Nigerian artists closer to the global art world, and has the potential to grow even bigger, with organizers already eyeing new possibilities for the next decade. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig hopes to see Art X continue to expand its impact and support the ecosystem, becoming a catalyst for growth in the African art scene.
The fair showcases multidisciplinary genres including art, music, literature, and film, hosting conversations, prize awards, and other events. It has grown to become an essential date on the global art fair calendar, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from organizations like the Smithsonian, Tate, and Centre Pompidou. Art X Lagos has also played a crucial role in growing art scenes across Africa and sustaining the art market in Nigeria.
The fair's satellite program, Lagos Art Week, coincides with the main event every year, featuring several exhibitions, activations, and cultural events. Non-traditional art spaces are now intentionally activating around this period, further boosting the city's vibrant arts ecosystem. According to Ugonna Ibe, a curator and founder of Yenwa Gallery, "Art X Lagos has been the heartbeat of the ecosystem," having an economic impact that extends beyond the art world.
This year's edition of Art X Lagos, themed "Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide," featured returning initiatives like The Library and The Development Forum, as well as new initiatives such as Art X Icon and a masterclass on photography. The fair also showcased works by renowned Nigerian artists, including J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, whose career spanned over six decades and explored pivotal moments in Nigeria's history.
The fair has brought collectors to Lagos, bringing Nigerian artists closer to the global art world, and has the potential to grow even bigger, with organizers already eyeing new possibilities for the next decade. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig hopes to see Art X continue to expand its impact and support the ecosystem, becoming a catalyst for growth in the African art scene.
over the years! I mean, 10 whole years of showcasing all sorts of talented artists, writers, musicians... it's like the city itself is coming alive with creativity! 
And to think it started from just a simple idea - Tokini Peterside-Schwebig wanted to change the way people see Lagos and Nigeria. She really succeeded in making us proud of our art scene. 
I love how Art X has brought so many different types of events and exhibitions together - it's like a big ol' party for art lovers! 
And the best part is, it's not just about the art itself, but also the conversations and connections that are made. It's a real testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared passion 
It's like, I was so skeptical when I first heard about it, but now I'm HOOKED! The way Tokini and her team have managed to put Lagos on the global art map is truly inspiring 
. I mean, who would've thought that a city with such a rich cultural heritage could be rebranded as an arts destination? 
It's not just about the art itself, it's about the conversations, the community, and the impact it has on people's lives... it's like, Art X Lagos is literally changing the game! 
It's like a whole other world of art and culture opens up every year during this time. I'm low-key obsessed with The Library and The Development Forum - they're like the heartbeat of the ecosystem, as Ugonna said 
. And the fact that Nigerian artists are getting the recognition they deserve is just... *chef's kiss*. I'm literally rooting for Art X Lagos to keep growing and making waves in the art world! 
It feels like we're focusing on the surface level rather than digging deeper into what makes art actually meaningful. And have you seen the crowds at these events? Hundreds of thousands? That's just a lot of people paying attention to a bunch of art and music... is it really worth all the hype? 
. I love how it's not just about showing art, but also about creating spaces for conversations and connections between creatives and collectors 
. And can we talk about the impact it has had on the African art scene? It's been game-changer 
! The way it's brought Nigerian artists to the global stage is incredible 
!
! 10 yrs on & it's still growing, bringing in big names like Smithsonian & Tate 
. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig is on point with the "Imagining Otherwise" theme this yr - it's all about challenging our perspectives & embracing diversity 
. This event has definitely put Lagos on the map as a major art destination 
!
i totally know what she means, it's like, we've been waiting for this moment for ages! and can we talk about the masterclass on photography? 
i'm literally dying to learn more about that!
It's not like they're trying to rebrand themselves or anything. I guess it's about time Nigeria got some recognition for more than just its traffic and poverty rates 
...
It's not just about the art tho, it's also had a positive economic impact on Nigeria & has given artists a platform to showcase their work globally 
Can't wait to see what the future holds for Art X Lagos! 
. I'm all about supporting more initiatives like this that can help grow the African art scene 
. Can't wait to see what the next decade holds for Art X Lagos! 
my heart is still full thinking about our convo 
Like, non-traditional art spaces are popping up everywhere, which is so exciting for the arts ecosystem. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for next year's edition – I wanna see what new initiatives come through 
. The fact that it's bringing collectors to the city is a major win, and I'm sure our artists are grateful for the exposure 
.
it's amazing to see how far it's come since 2016 and how it's really put nigeria on the map as an art destination 
. i mean, who would've thought that a decade later we'd have all these major organizations like smithsonian & centre pompidou coming to visit? 
i'm so glad the organizers are thinking big for the future, expanding their reach & support for the african art scene