ART X Lagos, West Africa’s leading international art fair, has concluded its eleventh edition, held from 5–8 November 2026 at the Federal Palace, Lagos, welcoming artists, galleries, collectors, curators, cultural practitioners and audiences from Nigeria and beyond for four days of exhibitions, performances, conversations and cultural exchange.

Held under the theme “A New Chapter, A New Decade,” the 2026 edition drew inspiration from the pioneering generation of artists, architects, educators and thinkers who shaped modernism in Nigeria, celebrating the enduring influence of cultural heritage on contemporary African creativity.

Through  a multidisciplinary programme spanning visual art, music, film and education, the fair brought established and emerging voices into dialogue, creating opportunities for artistic discovery, collaboration and engagement with the histories and experiences shaping African art today. The 11th edition commenced with a private Collectors’ Preview on Thursday, 5 November, followed by its Official Opening Ceremony on Friday, 6 November. Ahead of the opening, Founder and Director

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig  welcomed international delegations for private tours, including members of the Tate International Council and a  Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) delegation led by Afreximbank and Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, MFR,

Alongside Rwanda’s Honourable Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Ms Sandrine Umutoni. The visits provided opportunities for cultural exchange and engagement with the galleries, artists and special projects presented at this year’s edition.

The official Opening Ceremony brought together distinguished guests from the public and private sectors, including His Excellency, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka; and the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Lagos State, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem.

Also in attendance were Mr Atedo Peterside, CON, Chairman of Anap Jets FZE; Mr Akin Ogunranti, Executive Director, Zenith Bank PLC; Dr Adobi Nwapa, Executive Director, Zenith Bank PLC; Mr Stephen Kauma, Group Managing Director, Human Resources, Afreximbank; Mr Bolaji Balogun, Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham; Mrs Nike Bajomo, Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers; and Mr Eric Idiahi, Group Chief Executive Officer and Founder, EverCorp Industries, representing Champion Brands; Mr Seyi Ajibola, Founder of ZTL Liquids Transfer Limited; alongside members of the ART X Lagos Advisory Board  including Femi Lijadu, N’Goné Fall and Papa Omotayo.

Speaking at the Official Opening Ceremony, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder and Director of ART X Lagos, shared: “As ART X Lagos enters this new chapter, I am thinking more about the depth and sustainability of the impact we can create. Over the past ten years, we have demonstrated that an institution conceived and built in Africa can establish itself as an internationally recognised platform, attract global audiences and contribute meaningfully to our creative economy. The next phase is about building on that foundation with greater ambition and intention. As we look ahead, I want us to continue building a cultural institution that is grounded in excellence, deeply original in its thinking and expression, and unapologetically true to who we are.” 

A special moment during the ceremony saw Founder  and Director Tokini Peterside-Schwebig present Governor Sanwo-Olu with a certificate of appreciation,  recognising his longstanding support for ART X Lagos and his commitment to art and culture in Lagos.

The evening concluded with the Official VIP After-Party at VICI, featuring a captivating, interactive live performance by singer-songwriter Falana,  bringing together the art community and friends of the fair for a night of music and celebration.

Development Forum: The Development Forum brought together artists and leaders of independent creative spaces to examine how African practitioners are building the communities, institutions and structures that enable artistic practice to thrive.

Titled Laying Ground, Lifting Horizons: African Artists as Builders, the programme connected four Art Across Borders artists who have founded or co-founded initiatives supporting artistic  practice with the people behind independent creative spaces in Lagos.

Participants included Kaloki Nyamai of Kamene, Kenya; Georgina Maxim of Village Unhu, Zimbabwe; Ghizlane Sahli of Initiatives with Female Moroccan Artisans, Morocco; and Kiluanji Kia Henda of KinoYetu, Angola. They were joined by Tushar Hathiramani  of 16/16, Moni Aisida of GAS Foundation, Wura Natasha Ogunji of Treehouse, and Faridah Folawiyo of FF Projects, all based in Lagos.

Moderated by Fikayo Adebajo and Nelson C.J, the forum explored how independent creative spaces take shape, sustain themselves and contribute to their surrounding communities. Drawing on experiences across Nairobi, Harare, Marrakech, Luanda and Lagos, the discussion highlighted the importance of developing sustainable creative ecosystems and the growing role of African artists as institution-builders.

Schools’ Programme and Families at the Fair  

The fair’s commitment to arts education remained an important part of its 2026 programme. Sponsored by ZTL Liquids Transfer Limited,  facilitated by artist and educator Tolulope Ami-Williams, and organised in partnership with Teach for Nigeria, the Schools’ Programme introduced 750+ young Nigerians to artistic expression through activities inspired by Ladi Kwali’s legacy. Through hands-on engagement with clay, storytelling and creative exploration, the programme encouraged students to connect with Nigeria’s artistic traditions while developing their own creative perspectives. Three outstanding students were recognised for their creativity, imagination and artistic promise: Shakirat Ayomide Tijani of Oluwa Memorial Junior Secondary School; Raphael Ozogwue of Boys Junior Academy; and Victory Ocheleka of Creek Junior High School. Each student received gifts in recognition of their work and artistic potential.

Complementing his initiative, the Kids’ Corner participatory activities provided opportunities for children and families to experience art together, reinforcing ART X Lagos’ commitment to making cultural engagement accessible across generations.

 

Image Credit: Art X Lagos