Art X Lagos: A Confluence of Nigeria’s Business and Cultural Elite

Art X Lagos: Redefining the African Art Market

Art X Lagos has evolved into Nigeria’s premier art fair, where culture meets commerce in a celebration of African creativity. Held annually, this dynamic event brings together artists, collectors, gallerists, and business leaders from across the continent and beyond. Since its inception, it has carved a niche in Nigeria’s cultural calendar, becoming a platform that amplifies African talent and reshapes perceptions of the continent’s art industry. The 2025 edition of Art X was no exception, with the Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos playing host to a rich blend of creativity and elite networking.

Founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Art X Lagos aimed to go beyond the traditional art fair model. Tokini’s vision was rooted in creating a multidisciplinary event that reflected Nigeria’s unique cultural and socioeconomic landscape. With backing from major sponsors like Access Bank in its early years, the fair demonstrated that supporting the art scene could be both impactful and commercially viable. Tokini’s relentless passion turned skepticism from local business leaders into long-term partnerships, positioning Art X as a beacon of Africa’s growing cultural influence on the global stage.

Showcasing Diverse Galleries and Emerging Talent

One of the key aspects of Art X Lagos’ success lies in its focus on curation and quality. Unlike global art fairs with hundreds of exhibitors, Art X prioritizes working with a select group of galleries that showcase the best of African art. This year’s event included notable names such as Uganda’s Afriart Gallery and Cameroon’s Galerie MAM, both frequent participants who have found value in the fair’s targeted audience and tailored approach.

The fair continues to be a platform for emerging Nigerian and African talent. For these young artists, exhibiting at Art X offers unparalleled exposure and connections to a growing base of collectors. Tokini emphasizes that the collector demographic is evolving, with younger generations stepping in to invest in art. This growing interest underscores the cultural transition happening within Africa’s art ecosystem, wherein art is increasingly valued as both an investment and a legacy.

Lagos as Africa’s Art Market Hub

Art X Lagos has elevated the city’s role as a cultural hub in Africa by offering regional galleries a more cost-effective alternative to global markets like London or Paris. For galleries based in economically challenged regions, Lagos provides a platform where African collectors can engage directly with works that resonate culturally and emotionally. Logistical costs and customs challenges associated with shipping art to Europe are significantly reduced, while the market in Lagos features competitive pricing and strong demand from international buyers.

Buyers at Art X include a diverse mix of Nigerians, African-Americans, and collectors from Latin America. These audiences have actively contributed to the fair’s commercial success, as reported by participants like Ghana’s Gallery 1957 and Lagos-based SMO Contemporary. The sale of standout pieces, such as Victor Butler’s “Searching Scriptures,” which fetched over $90,000, highlights the growing financial viability of the African art sector.

Numbers That Speak Beyond Commerce

While sales figures and international buyers play a pivotal role in the fair, Tokini stresses that the true value of Art X lies in its cultural significance. Over the years, the fair has welcomed more than 700,000 attendees from 170 countries and provided a platform for over 500 African artists. The event not only boosts the visibility of African art but also fosters cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among creatives, collectors, and stakeholders in the creative industry.

As Art X Lagos continues to mature, it represents a broader narrative of growth and innovation within Africa’s cultural industries. By merging cultural ambition with business acumen, the fair has become a symbol of Africa’s potential to lead on the global stage, redefining how its art and culture are consumed, appreciated, and valued around the world.