Zenith Bank reinforces commitment to Africa’s creative economy through continued sponsorship of art X Lagos 2026

Zenith Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to nurturing Nigeria's creative and cultural scene through continued backing of ART X Lagos 2026, slated for November 5-8, 2026, at Federal Palace in Lagos. The Bank, as a Silver Sponsor for the 11th edition, joins the ranks of previous supporters, emphasizing its dedication to platforms celebrating African artistic brilliance, preserving heritage, and offering opportunities to emerging creative talent.

ART X Lagos, established by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig in 2016, is a prominent international cultural platform highlighting contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The fair's multidisciplinary programming fosters connections among artists, galleries, collectors, and cultural institutions, promoting African creativity on the global stage.

Over its ten-year history, ART X Lagos has united artists and galleries from more than 70 countries, attracting participants from 170 nations. The 11th edition, themed "A New Chapter, A New Decade," will revisit the artists, architects, educators, and thinkers who shaped modernism in Nigeria, exploring how cultural legacy can inspire novel artistic expressions and future possibilities.

Zenith Bank's sponsorship supports ART X Lagos' expansion as an international hub for artistic exchange, cultural preservation, and creative enterprise, fostering connections across Africa's creative ecosystem and facilitating growth and collaboration. In addition to ART X ICON, the Bank's support will fund The Masterclass, a program that connects emerging artists with Ladi Kwali's legacy.

Ladi Kwali, renowned for her ceramic art and 20-naira note portrait, will be celebrated through "Ladi Kwali: Beyond the Vessel," an exhibition showcasing ceramics, archival materials, and works by contemporaneous potters. The Masterclass will bring together 10 emerging artists from various disciplines, fostering intimate conversations with established creative practitioners.

Zenith Bank's Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, highlighted the bank's belief in supporting cultural preservation and nurturing talent for a thriving creative economy. ART X Lagos 2026 will feature 15 exhibitors across Main and Spotlight sections, as well as special projects, talks, and educational programs, showcasing the diversity and richness of contemporary creativity from Africa and its diaspora.