The 5th Anniversary Edition of ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair is opening from 6th November 2020. With the whirlwind of change that the global pandemic has effected on communities, organisations and industries across the world, the company remains firm in its commitment to champion artistic excellence from Africa and its Diaspora as it proudly celebrates the fifth year of West Africa’s premier international art fair – ART X Lagos.
Since its maiden edition in 2016, ART X Lagos has welcomed over 30,000 guests to witness the best of African contemporary and modern art from 300 artists, as well as riveting talks with key figures, interactive projects and installations, and of course, the coveted ART X Live! show – the one-of-a-kind fusion experience merging art and music. We are grateful for all of the support given during these remarkable years.
ART X Live! 2017’s Creative Director Dj Aye! And Ghanian Artist Amarae
As plans are perfected for the 5th Anniversary Edition of ART X Lagos and we reflect on the past four years, ART X Collective celebrates members of its community for their invaluable support, saying thank you to the galleries, featured artists, sponsors, patrons, collectors, partners, the media, art lovers and everyone that has contributed to our success, and with whom we have created priceless memories.
This sense of gratitude, combined with a desire to continue to contribute to the advancement of the community, led to the launch of ART X Review – a mentoring opportunity for young talent, designed to encourage budding artists to keep creating during these uncertain times. ART X Collective is committed to its role as a catalyst within Nigeria and Africa’s art ecosystem, and is excited about the potential of this new initiative.
Reinforced by this spirit of gratitude, the 2020 art fair will deliver the opportunity to encounter stunning artwork by the continent’s talent through a series of immersive physical and virtual events. The health and safety of all guests, partners and teams, remains the utmost priority and as such physical interactions will be limited this year, whilst enabling powerful connections with art and creativity as has been the case over the years.
A mix of curated projects will expand the imaginations of the fair’s diverse audiences, while collectors will be able to view a selection of unique artworks in-person by appointment, with a supporting digital presentation giving access to the fair’s wider, global audience. ART X Talks will deliver a roster of poignant virtual conversations, and ART X Live! will feature an exciting line-up of emerging music and art talent, brought together in a unique virtual experiment. Programming details for these events will be announced shortly.
Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka and Artist Obi Okigbo at the
Debut ART X Lagos Fair in 2016
“This year has tested the very essence of our humanity, and has brought upheaval to us all, with unique challenges to artists and entrepreneurs in the culture sector. The 5th Edition of ART X Lagos will be the culmination of creativity, grit and purpose, in spite of adversity. Our previous editions have shown ourselves, and the world, what is possible within the African imagination, when we come together, united by our passion and enthusiasm for our continent’s creators. Our belief remains, that the future is bright for Africa and its creative talent, and we are thankful to our community for joining us to make this a reality”.
– Tokini Peterside, Founder & CEO, ART X Collective.
About ART X Lagos
Launched in 2016, ART X Lagos is West Africa’s premier international art fair, which was designed to showcase the best and most innovative contemporary and modern art from the African continent and its diaspora.
Since its debut, four highly successful editions of the fair have held, and firmly anchored ART X Lagos not only as a cornerstone of the Nigerian art and cultural scene, but as one of the most exciting emerging art fairs on the global calendar.
More than 30,000 visitors from Nigeria, Africa and across the world have visited ART X Lagos to see the works of Africa’s leading established and emerging artists. Through its contribution to the increased visibility of African artists, the fair aims to reinforce the visual arts as an important component of the creative industry in Nigeria and Africa, and to position Lagos as an emergent cultural capital on the continent.
ART X Lagos was founded by Tokini Peterside, and is owned by ART X Collective Limited. Its executive team is supported by an Advisory Board comprised of – Constantine Labi Ogunbiyi, Dudun Peterside, Evelyn Oputu, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Femi Lijadu, Jess Castellote, Junaid Dikko, N’Goné Fall, Papa Omotayo and Reni Folawiyo.
For more information please visit: www.artxlagos.com.
