L-r… Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; founder and convener of ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig; President and Founder of Anap Foundation, Mr Atedo Peterside…Photos: Chinyere Ikeanyi.
Chinyere Ikeanyi
Africans are finally collecting African art in significant numbers, a major cultural shift the founder of ART X Lagos credits to the fair’s first decade of work.
Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, founder and convener of ART X Lagos, made the declaration as the platform opened its 11th edition on Friday at the Federal Palace, Victoria Island, under the theme “A New Chapter, A New Decade.”
Speaking at the fair, Peterside-Schwebig said the initiative was founded in 2016 to dismantle a long-held belief among young African artists, particularly Nigerians, that they needed to leave the continent to build globally relevant careers. Ten years later, she said, the reverse is happening: the world now comes to Lagos to see how a world-class African art platform operates.
L-r… Lagos State Governor.Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Founder and convener of ART X Lagos; Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Director. Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Akin Ogunranti, during the 11th Edition of ART X Lagos held at Federal Palace Hotel Victoria Island, on 6/11/2026.
“The fair has brought international collectors and institutions to Nigeria and grown the Lagos art season from five to seven satellite events to over 15 a year,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Peterside-Schwebig said the platform will prioritise unearthing African history, showcasing the continent’s mastery and excellence, and encouraging Nigerians to value what is created locally rather than seek constant international validation.
She highlighted the extraordinary growth in the number of galleries in Lagos since 2016 and the emergence of new institutions, including museums. Her vision includes restoring art education in Nigeria to the heights of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, alongside more international-standard museums, research and learning spaces, and arts festivals.
On sustainability, she revealed that Nigerian corporations have backed the fair for 11 consecutive years. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) also supports Arts Across Borders, a programme that brings artists from different regions of the continent to Lagos for cultural exchange.
Relations with government remain strong. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, visited the fair on Friday and engaged with artists. Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who has attended almost every edition since taking office, was also expected. Peterside-Schwebig recalled that the governor once described ART X as helping to position Lagos as a tourism destination.
The exhibition stand.
Youth engagement remains central. On Friday alone, nearly 800 pupils from Lagos schools and communities took part in the schools programme. The fair also runs a Master Class for young artists and a Development Forum that connects emerging talent with global institutional voices.
As ART X Lagos steps into its second decade, the message from its founder is clear: African art no longer needs to leave home to be seen, valued, or collected.
For a better society
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