Key points

• Dates and Venue: November 6–9, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria.

• Theme: “Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide” – reflection on imagination for more vibrant and united spaces.

• Artists and Projects: Works by over 500 African and diasporic artists, exclusive performances, ART X Live!, ART X Cinema and ART X Talks.

• Flagship programs: ART X Prize, Development Forum, RESONANCE and Art Across Borders programs.

• Impact: More than 700,000 visitors from 170 countries since its creation, a major contribution to the African artistic ecosystem.

Since 2016, ART X Lagos has established itself as the go-to platform for celebrating and promoting African creativity. What began as a bold dream in the Nigerian capital has become a force for cultural transformation, connecting hundreds of visionary artists with an international audience of over 700,000 visitors from 170 countries. Celebrating its tenth edition this year, the fair doesn't just showcase art; it tells the story of Africa through its creators, with a unique blend of music, film, performance, and critical reflection.

A decade of impact and discovery

ART X Lagos is not just an artistic event, it's a career catalyst and talent incubator. Figures like El Anatsui, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby, Wangechi Mutu, and Yinka Shonibare CBE have made their mark on the scene, while young emerging artists find visibility and mentorship here that open up international horizons. The ART X Prize, international residencies, and the Development Forum are testament to this commitment to supporting and training the next generation.

Visitors themselves become actors in this adventure: some novice collectors begin their journey here, and the public attends performances that blend visual art, music, and film, creating immersive and transformative experiences. The ART X Live!, ART X Talks, and ART X Cinema programs provide platforms for exchange and learning that go beyond mere exhibitions, reinforcing ART X Lagos' role as a cultural and social driving force.

Imagine differently, together

For its tenth edition, which will be held from November 6 to 9, 2025 , the fair responds to the theme "Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide." The aim is to question the role of imagination in the construction of more vibrant and united urban and social spaces. Through commissioned projects and unique performances, ART X Lagos invites us to reflect on our collective capacity to create environments where art stimulates dialogue and well-being.

Initiatives like the RESONANCE program, launched in partnership with the Cité Internationale des Arts and the French Embassy in Nigeria, embody this vision. Each year, a Nigerian artist, designer, and curator receive a three-month residency in Paris , accompanied by French professionals, to strengthen ties between local and international artistic ecosystems. The first 2025 cohort, which will begin in November 2025 , includes Mobolaji Ogunrosoye, Olorunfemi Adewuyi, and Tony Agbapuonwu, promising new collaborations and perspectives.

Towards a Central Africa on the world stage

ART X Lagos not only transforms the Nigerian capital into the continent's cultural epicenter, but also contributes to redefining Africa's role in global contemporary art. By combining youth arts education, social and environmental initiatives, transnational programs, and professional gatherings, the fair builds a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem.

As the next decade unfolds, ART X Lagos continues to place African creativity at the heart of the global narrative. As its founder, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, emphasizes: “We want to build an ecosystem where African creativity inspires, transforms, and redefines the future.” Ten years after its birth, the fair confirms that it is much more than an event: it is a movement, a community, and a vision for the future.

Explore Nigerian Art

FAQ

Who can visit ART X Lagos?
The fair is open to the general public, collectors, art professionals, curators and amateurs wishing to discover the contemporary African scene.

Which artists will be present in 2025?
The fair brings together international and local artists, from young emerging talents to iconic figures such as El Anatsui, Wangechi Mutu and Yinka Shonibare CBE.

What is the RESONANCE program?
An annual residency in Paris for a Nigerian artist, designer, and curator, with mentorship and professional networking, aimed at strengthening ties between Africa and Europe.

What events accompany the fair?
ART X Live! (performances), ART X Cinema (screenings), ART X Talks (lectures) and special projects commissioned for the anniversary edition.

How does ART X Lagos contribute to cultural development?
Through support for young talents, residencies, mentoring, arts education for children and social and environmental initiatives, strengthening the African cultural ecosystem and its international visibility.