ART X Lagos 2026 Concludes 11th Edition with Major Exhibitions and Cultural Showcases

The 11th edition of ART X Lagos has ended after four days of exhibitions, performances, film screenings and discussions celebrating contemporary African creativity.

Held from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Federal Palace in Lagos, the international art fair brought together artists, galleries, collectors, curators and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and other parts of the world.

This year’s edition was themed “A New Chapter, A New Decade” and explored the influence of Nigeria’s pioneering artists, architects, educators and thinkers on modern African art.

Founded in 2016, ART X Lagos has grown into an important platform for showcasing African creativity and connecting artists with international audiences.

Lagos State Governor attends opening ceremony

The fair opened with a private collectors’ preview on Thursday, November 5, followed by its official opening ceremony on Friday, November 6.

Founder and Director Tokini Peterside-Schwebig welcomed Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other government officials, business leaders and cultural figures to the event.

Other guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, and businessman Atedo Peterside.

International delegations also visited the fair ahead of the opening. They included members of the Tate International Council and a Creative Africa Nexus delegation led by Afreximbank and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole.

During the ceremony, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig said the next phase of ART X Lagos would focus on building a sustainable cultural institution with a stronger international presence while remaining rooted in African identity.

She also presented Sanwo-Olu with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his support for the fair and the development of arts and culture in Lagos.

Ladi Kwali exhibition takes centre stage

One of the major attractions was ART X ICON: Ladi Kwali – Beyond the Vessel, an exhibition celebrating the legacy of Nigerian ceramic artist Ladi Dosei Kwali.

Curated by Dr Jareh Das and sponsored by Zenith Bank, the exhibition featured ceramics, archival materials and works from different generations of women potters.

It explored Kwali’s artistic influence and the traditions that shaped her work, offering visitors a deeper understanding of her contribution to Nigerian art.

The accompanying Masterclass, also supported by Zenith Bank, provided 10 emerging artists with opportunities for mentorship, learning and exchange with established practitioners.

African artists and special projects

The Art Across Borders programme, titled Walkers with the Dawn, brought together five artists from different African countries.

They were Victor Ehikhamenor of Nigeria, Kiluanji Kia Henda of Angola, Georgina Maxim of Zimbabwe, Kaloki Nyamai of Kenya and Ghizlane Sahli of Morocco.

Sponsored by Afreximbank, the programme explored collaboration, community-building and the role of artists in developing cultural institutions.

Another major presentation was Residues of Past Encounters II, 2026, an installation by Nigerian artist Ndidi Dike, curated by N’Goné Fall and sponsored by Chapel Hill Denham.

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The work centred on a weathered canoe that referenced the history of Badagry’s Point of No Return. It examined the lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade, including displacement, memory and loss.

The fair also featured the ART X Library, which offered visitors access to books and research on African intellectual and creative traditions. At Speakers’ Corner, an interactive installation by Yinka Bernie invited visitors to record responses to questions about people, places and generations.

ART X Cinema, live music and conversations

The ART X Cinema programme featured moving-image works, including Mothers of Chibok by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson.

The programme also marked 100 years of Nigerian cinema. Historian and curator Ed Keazor delivered a lecture-performance examining the development of Nigerian storytelling through film.

Music was another major part of the fair through ART X Live!, curated by Lanre Masha and sponsored by Champion Brands.

The performers included taves, Kunmie, Solana, EKENE, LULU, Lodù, Nora and WEAREALLCHEMICALS, with a special appearance by Ladipoe.

ART X Talks also brought together artists, filmmakers, curators and cultural thinkers to discuss artistic heritage, historical memory and storytelling. Participants included Ndidi Dike, Dr Jareh Das, Joel Kachi Benson and N’Goné Fall.

Programme supports emerging artists and young Nigerians

The Development Forum focused on how African artists and independent creative spaces can build sustainable communities and institutions.

The programme connected artists from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Morocco and Angola with representatives of independent creative organisations in Lagos.

Arts education also remained a key part of the event. Through the Schools’ Programme, more than 750 young Nigerians participated in activities inspired by Ladi Kwali’s legacy.

Organised in partnership with Teach for Nigeria and supported by ZTL Liquids Transfer Limited, the initiative introduced students to clay work, storytelling and creative expression.

Three students were recognised for their creativity: Shakirat Ayomide Tijani of Oluwa Memorial Junior Secondary School, Raphael Ozogwue of Boys Junior Academy and Victory Ocheleka of Creek Junior High School.

The Kids’ Corner also provided activities designed to help children and families engage with art.

ART X Lagos marks a decade of growth

Since its launch in 2016, ART X Lagos says it has welcomed more than 700,000 visitors across its editions and attracted artists and galleries from over 70 countries.

The 2026 edition reinforced its focus on international partnerships, arts education, emerging talent and the growth of Africa’s creative sector.

The fair was sponsored by Zenith Bank, Afreximbank, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Chapel Hill Denham, Champion Brands, AnapJets, ZTL Liquids Transfer, MTN Nigeria and Patrón.

Through its exhibitions, performances and educational initiatives, ART X Lagos continues to provide a platform for African artists to share their work and connect with audiences around the world.