West Africa’s leading international art fair, ART X Lagos, has successfully concluded its 11th edition, marking a significant milestone in the celebration and promotion of African contemporary art.
Held over four days, the 2026 edition brought together artists, international galleries, collectors, curators and cultural practitioners for an exciting programme of exhibitions, live performances and cultural exchanges.
Under the theme “A New Chapter, A New Decade,” the event highlighted Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage while exploring the changing direction of contemporary African creativity and its growing influence on the global art scene.
A major highlight of the fair was ART X ICON: Ladi Kwali – Beyond the Vessel, an exhibition celebrating the legacy of legendary Nigerian potter Ladi Dosei Kwali. The showcase featured ceramics, archival materials and works from different generations of women potters, bringing renewed attention to Nigeria’s traditional artistic heritage.
According to reports by The Guardian Nigeria and The Culture Custodian, the event also featured 15 galleries across its Main and Spotlight sections, alongside special exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions and musical performances.
The ART X Live! programme featured emerging and established music talents, including Taves, Kunmie, Solana, Ekene, Lulu, Lodù, Nora and WeAreAllChemicals, with a special appearance by rapper Ladipoe.
The fair also strengthened its commitment to nurturing young creatives through its Schools’ Programme, which introduced more than 750 Nigerian students to artistic expression through clay modelling, storytelling and other creative activities.
Founder and Director of ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, described the new chapter as an opportunity to build on the platform’s achievements over the past decade while creating a more sustainable impact on Africa’s creative economy.
The opening ceremony attracted prominent personalities, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, alongside business leaders, international delegates and cultural stakeholders.
Founded in 2016, ART X Lagos has continued to provide an international platform for African artists and creatives, connecting the continent’s artistic community with global audiences.
With its 11th edition now concluded, the fair signals another chapter in the development of Africa’s contemporary art industry.
