Zenith Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting African art, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting emerging creative talents by renewing its sponsorship of ART X Lagos 2026. The 11th edition of the art fair will take place from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year's event is themed "A New Chapter, A New Decade" and will explore the contributions of artists, architects, educators, and thinkers who helped shape modern art in Nigeria.
ART X Lagos, founded by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig in 2016, is an international art fair that showcases contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The event brings together artists, galleries, collectors, and cultural organisations to promote African creativity to a global audience. Zenith Bank returns as a Silver Sponsor after supporting the event's 10th anniversary in 2025. The bank's continued partnership with ART X Lagos reflects its commitment to promoting African artistic excellence and strengthening cultural institutions.
As part of its sponsorship, Zenith Bank will support two major programmes, ART X ICON and The Masterclass. ART X ICON celebrates Nigerian artists whose work has made lasting contributions to the country's art and culture. This year's programme will focus on Ladi Dosei Kwali (1925–1984), the renowned Nigerian potter whose image appears on the country's ₦20 note. The exhibition, titled "Ladi Kwali: Beyond the Vessel", was developed by curator Dr Jareh Das.
The exhibition will explore Kwali's life, artistic work, and influence on Nigerian ceramics. It will feature pottery and archival materials from the National Museum in Lagos, alongside works from private collections. The exhibition will also showcase works by women potters who worked with or followed Kwali, including Kande Ushafa and Asibi Ido, as well as traditional pottery from Gbari, Nupe, and Bida communities.
The Masterclass will complement the exhibition by giving emerging artists an opportunity to learn from established creative professionals and explore the connection between traditional art and modern creative practices. Ten emerging artists will be selected from different fields, including painting, sculpture, photography, film, textiles, digital art, performance, and ceramics. The programme aims to provide a platform for emerging artists to develop their skills and showcase their work.
Zenith Bank's Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, emphasised the importance of supporting the creative industry, preserving cultural heritage, and investing in young talents. She said the bank's continued partnership with ART X Lagos reflects its commitment to promoting African artistic excellence and creating opportunities for emerging creatives.
The founder and director of ART X Lagos, Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, expressed appreciation for Zenith Bank's continued support. She said partnerships with organisations such as Zenith Bank were crucial to sustaining the fair's vision, expanding its impact, and creating opportunities for African creativity to thrive internationally. Other highlights of ART X Lagos 2026 will include 15 exhibitors, special projects, and additional programmes such as ART X Cinema, ART X Live!, and ART X Talks.
Key points
- Zenith Bank renews sponsorship of ART X Lagos 2026 to promote African art and emerging creative talents.
- The 11th edition of ART X Lagos will take place from November 5 to 8, 2026, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
- Zenith Bank will support two major programmes, ART X ICON and The Masterclass, as part of its sponsorship.
