Art X Lagos: Uniting African Art with Business and Culture

Art X Lagos has rapidly become a cornerstone of the cultural scene in Nigeria, creating a unique space for artists, entrepreneurs, collectors, and enthusiasts to come together. Launched in 2016 by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, this annual event is more than just an art fair; it’s a hub for cultural expression and a bridging point between the contemporary African art market and global audiences. Held at Lagos’ Federal Palace Hotel, this year’s event brought African gallerists, international collectors, and business leaders under one roof to celebrate creativity and investment in the region’s vibrant arts sector.

The Vision Behind Art X Lagos

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig’s vision for Art X Lagos underscores a broader cultural ambition: to present Africa on the global stage with authenticity and prominence. The art fair was conceived after Tokini completed her MBA at INSEAD in France and sought to address the artistic and business gaps she observed in Nigeria. Her pitch to key sponsors, notably Access Bank and its former CEO Herbert Wigwe, emphasized creating a multidimensional platform that merged artistic excellence with innovative branding approaches rather than being a conventional art fair for transactional purposes. This strategy not only gained her the necessary support but also redefined what Nigerian and African art fairs could be.

Since its inaugural edition, Art X Lagos has grown substantially in reputation. By incorporating music, digital art, and cultural dialogues alongside traditional art exhibits, the fair has expanded its reach. In its early days, tickets were free, aiming to democratize access to art and attract a new generation of enthusiasts who might have otherwise felt excluded from such spaces. This foundational philosophy continues to resonate, making the event a consistent success and an essential part of Lagos’ annual cultural calendar.

A Platform for Emerging and Established Talent

Art X Lagos is more than a showcase of stunning artwork; it is a springboard for young and emerging talent. Galleries participating in the fair, such as Uganda’s Afriart Gallery, have praised its evolution from a relatively new festival to one of Africa’s most exclusive art events. For gallery owners like Daudi Karungi, the fair’s curation of quality over quantity marks its difference from international events like Art Basel.

In addition to established galleries, the event provides critical opportunities for rising African artists to connect with collectors globally. For instance, major works are sold for impressive sums, such as Victor Butler’s Searching Scriptures, which recently sold for over $90,000. These figures indicate robust international interest while fueling local pride in the widespread recognition of African creativity.

Notably, a shifting demographic among collectors is emerging. Children of established art collectors are becoming active buyers, signaling generational growth in Africa’s art market. This trend, combined with the fair’s ability to attract buyers from diverse backgrounds, including African-American and Latin American collectors, ensures that Art X Lagos remains a critical node in the international art ecosystem.

Affordability and Accessibility in the African Art Ecosystem

One of the key advantages of Art X Lagos is its relative affordability compared to global art fairs. Shipping and storage costs for African galleries attending fairs in London or Paris are often prohibitive, sometimes quadrupling expenses. For example, a Cameroonian gallery reported that storage alone in Paris could cost $500 per day versus $100 in Lagos. This price differential makes Art X Lagos an ideal gateway for galleries to showcase their work cost-effectively while gaining substantial exposure.

Accessibility also plays a crucial role in the fair’s mission. By offering opportunities to budding local artists who may not have the means to exhibit abroad, Art X Lagos ensures the sustainability of Africa’s creative industries. Furthermore, its virtual editions opened doors for audiences from over 170 countries, proving that the event’s influence extends far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

Looking Ahead: More Than Just Numbers

While the commercial success stories of Art X Lagos—such as gallery sales reaching upwards of $40,000 per artwork—are remarkable, the fair’s true success lies in its cultural impact. Since its inception, it has showcased over 500 African artists and welcomed more than 700,000 attendees, fostering a dynamic conversation about African identity, creativity, and economic potential.

Tokini remains focused on metrics that go beyond financial gain, emphasizing the cultural value and community-building aspects of Art X Lagos. By doing so, the fair redefines success in the African art world, bridging gaps between business and culture while championing a new narrative of art appreciation for the continent and beyond.