ArtX Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair, has officially announced the dates for its highly anticipated ninth edition. The event will be held from October 31st to November 3rd, 2024, commencing with the Collectors’ Preview on October 31st, followed by the VIP Preview on November 1st, and Public Open Days on November 2nd and 3rd.
The 2024 edition promises a diverse program, featuring a meticulously curated selection of galleries, Special Projects, ART X Talks, ART X Cinema, ART X Live!, and more. Founded in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, ART X Lagos has grown into a dynamic platform dedicated to promoting contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. It has established itself as a pivotal player in the West African art market.
Since its inception, ART X Lagos has welcomed galleries and artists from over 40 countries. It is renowned for its ambitious program, which includes ART X Talks—a lively panel discussion series—and ART X Live!, a unique showcase featuring collaborations between emerging artists and musicians from across Africa. The fair also features specially curated presentations and interactive projects.
The eighth edition of ART X Lagos, held in 2023, brought together artists, curators, collectors, and enthusiasts for a four-day celebration from November 2-5. It highlighted a diverse range of mediums and materials, featuring notable collaborations such as Dennis Osadebe’s interactive experience merging basketball and painting with the NBA, and an installation blending art and literature. Dafe Oboro, recipient of the 2022 Art X Prize, used color symbolism in his exhibition ‘Odafe’ to narrate his life story, including a self-portrait drenched in gold. His work creates an allegory around names, connecting people who share his name and fostering a strong sense of community.
Themed ‘The Dialogue,’ the eighth edition focused on fostering conversation and community in a challenging year, both in Nigeria and globally. ‘The Dialogue’ aimed to provoke reflection and discussion, challenging participants to reimagine the present and future. Ten carefully selected galleries contributed uniquely to the visual arts ecosystem across Africa and the diaspora, empowering exhibiting artists and gallerists as key voices in the global cultural dialogue.
The upcoming ART X Lagos 2024 will mark the first fair following the departure of its esteemed patron, Herbert Wigwe. The fair paid tribute to Dr. Herbert O. Wigwe, the first patron to believe in the vision of the fair, noting his significant support through Access Bank and Access Holdings. His contributions have profoundly impacted the arts and culture community in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, elevating the African narrative.
ART X Lagos 2024 is also expected to feature works from the winners of the Access ART X Prize 2023, Julius Agbaje and Asmaa Jama. The yet-to-be-announced winners and nominees of the 2024 Access ART X Prize will also be covered, adding to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the event.
Stay tuned for more updates as ART X Lagos 2024 approaches, promising another vibrant celebration of contemporary African art.
