Returning for the third time after successful earlier editions, the annual Lagos Gallery Weekend (LGW), which looks to bridge the gap between the public and the art world, is set to again activate the city’s vibrant art ecosystem under the definitive theme, Art for All.
Following a landmark inaugural year that drew over 10,000 visitors, the premier citywide celebration of contemporary art that highlights the creativity and cultural energy of Lagos, is promoting inclusivity this year with an increased number of activities catering to children and adults from all walks of life.
As part of its mission to establish Lagos as a sustainable creative hub, the weekend brings together numerous galleries and cultural institutions to showcase the city’s vibrant art scene, featuring a lineup of activities. Presented by Art Report Africa and supports by +234 Art Fair and the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, the initiative brings together leading art spaces through several days of coordinated exhibitions and special programming.
Designed for both local enthusiasts and international travelers, director, LGW, Sunshine Alaibe, noted that it serves as a curated gateway to Lagos, providing logistical guides and cultural insights for anyone looking to navigate the city’s complex and rewarding artistic landscape.
Unveiling activities for this year’s weekend, she noted that 20 galleries will be participating with added workshops and participatory events. Revealing special projects lined up, she noted that Insider Routes has been introduced, which a series of journeys designed by
industry experts to provide a deep dive into specific niches of the Lagos art scene.
“The Alliance Française/Mike Adenuga Centre will serve as the primary physical touchpoint. It functions as an educational marketplace featuring specialised workshops, an art-focused library and the central location to meet the LGW team. Curated navigation routes will help visitors personalise their journies, selecting paths focused on contemporary mastery, emerging experimentalism or historical legacies.
“In a special collaboration with Cultural Custodian, LGW will host an immersive program
exploring the dynamic relationship between Nigerian art, design, and music history
through sound and editorial storytelling,” she said.
Participating galleries and institutions this year include Ikoyi kó, Alliance Francaise, SOTO Gallery, Kokopelli Gallery, Victoria Island Alexis Galleries, O’DA Art Gallery, FF Projects (Alara), Nahous, Windsor Gallery and Adegbola Gallery. Others include Nomadic Art Gallery, Bloom Art, Lekki and Oniru Nike Art Gallery, Art Pantheon, Creath, Sachs Gallery, Lagos Island Nuru Gallery, Yemisi Shyllon Museum John Randle Center and CCA.
Alaibe divulged that they are expanding beyond traditional gallery walls, offering guided tours of architectural landmarks in partnership with Chisco Transport to places like Jaekel House, the Vaughan-Richards House and the National Theatre.
“Curated weekend routes provide a seamless way to explore these landmarks alongside leading galleries and local hotspots.”
Stressing that LGW is not an art fair, she said the aim is to foster a cultural appreciation, dialogue and community while ensuring to focus on the value of art and institutions that run them.
Adding that the weekend has something for everyone ranging from talks, curated tours with dedicated tour guides, live drawing sessions, introduction to 3D art, exhibitions and collaborations with industry stakeholders and players, she said, “Art has many facets, there is so much more to art than what many think and that is what we want to introduce to everyone, hence the theme. We will be holding eight curated tours across Ikoyi, Lekki and Victoria Island. There would also be a children’s programme for students and young ones on March 5 as well as workshops and talks including one focused on women in art (which coincides with women’s week) and the art of collecting. What we have really seen is that we tend to just put children to the side and our goal of this weekend is to include them in the conversation. We encourage families to go on these tours, visit the spaces together because they’re accessible to all.”
Stressing that it is free to attend but registration is needed, she said some workshops are paid for but the prices have been kept as low as possible.
Kicking off on Wednesday March 4 with a Press Day, Alaibe said Thursday will be preview day while Friday to Sunday is the public open day and will be focused on Ikoyi, VI and Ikeja/Lekki on the three different days respectively.
She further revealed that they have been more intentional this year as they are aiming to cater to even more diverse audiences. “There’s something for everyone this year. If you don’t want to look at the art itself, you can decide to explore collecting, buying and selling, collaborate with stakeholders or just go on a guided tour.”
On what success would look like for her, she said it would be to leave the children that would attend, the inspiration to go fully into arts, “because in 10, 15 years, they will be leading this industry and I would be happy to see it being led by people truly passionate about arts.”
“There would be many important exchange of institutions and artists that will take place throughout the weekend and I want even more people to partake and enjoy the experience this year,” she said.
