ART X Lagos Unveils Access ART X Prize Alumni Impact Award

ART X Lagos, West Africa’s premier international art fair, has unveiled the Access ART X Prize Alumni Impact Award during its recent VIP Preview, spotlighting the exceptional accomplishments of past Access ART X Prize winners.

This special award celebrates the continued contributions of former prize recipients who have made lasting impacts on the African art scene, furthering innovation and artistic expression across the continent.

Since its launch in 2016, the Access ART X Prize has grown into one of Africa’s most prestigious platforms, championing emerging artistic talents and offering a springboard for global recognition. As a key sponsor, Access Holdings has played an instrumental role in supporting the sustainability of the African arts ecosystem, helping foster long-term positive change through strategic partnerships.

This year, the Alumni Impact Award aligns with the 2024 ART X Lagos theme: ‘Promised Lands,’ a vision of hope, freedom, and new possibilities. The award celebrates the ongoing journeys of past winners whose work continues to resonate both locally and internationally, highlighting their transformative role in shaping contemporary African art.

“The Access ART X Prize Alumni Impact Award embodies our pledge to supporting artists at every stage of their careers. In recognising the growth of our past winners, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, social engagement, and long-term impact within the African art community,” said Mrs. Tokini Peterside-Schwebig, Founder of ART X Lagos.

Access Holdings’ dedication to empowering African artists extends beyond financial support, with a mission to create a dynamic, inclusive cultural landscape that reflects the diversity and creativity of the continent.

Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/CEO of Access Bank, highlighted the broader vision: “Empowerment is the cornerstone of progress, and we believe in cultivating an art ecosystem where creativity thrives and cultural impact is amplified.”

This year’s Alumni Impact Award was presented to Etinosa Yvonne, a bold and socially engaged artist whose work has made waves in the art world. Yvonne’s dedication to social discourse and creative innovation earned her the accolade, and upon receiving the award, she shared her gratitude: “I am pleased to be the recipient of the Access ART X Prize Alumni Impact Award. This recognition shows a genuine commitment to the growth and development of artists at all stages of their careers. The Nigerian creative economy remains largely untapped, and I believe this award will inspire both public and private institutions to invest in and promote Nigerian artists to help bolster our creative economy.”

As ART X Lagos continues to honour its past winners, the festival reinforces the importance of nurturing African talent and fostering creativity that defines the global art landscape. The Access ART X Prize Alumni Impact Award is a testament to the strength of African creativity and its vital role in shaping a globally relevant future for the arts.