Lagos Gallery Weekend (LGW) is a citywide festival of art, culture, and community, returning for its second edition. This year’s event, scheduled for March 28-30, 2025, will feature 20 galleries and 5 cultural institutions in Lagos City.
A.S: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Lagos Gallery Weekend?
S.A: Lagos Gallery Weekend (LGW) was conceived as a way to celebrate the city’s vibrant and dynamic art scene. It seeks to spotlight the rich, diverse artistic landscape of Lagos and provide a platform for both traditional and contemporary art forms. The goal is to foster cultural engagement, providing an opportunity to discover and explore Lagos’ world-class gallery scene whilst highlighting the creativity of local artists, and build deeper connections within the global art community.
A.S: How does Lagos Gallery Weekend contribute to the broader art ecosystem in Lagos and Africa?
S.A: LGW plays a pivotal role in strengthening the art ecosystem by connecting artists, galleries, collectors, and audiences. It elevates the visibility of Lagos as an international cultural hub while promoting African art on a National and global stage. By engaging local and international art lovers, LGW helps cultivate a thriving ecosystem that encourages creativity, supports the local art economy, and nurtures new and emerging artists.
A.S: This year’s theme is “Discover Lagos Through Art.” How does it reflect Lagos’ creative landscape?
S.A: The theme “Discover Lagos Through Art” reflects the city’s diverse and ever-evolving cultural landscape. Lagos is a melting pot of creativity, where traditional heritage and contemporary art forms coexist. The theme invites visitors to explore the city’s rich artistic heritage, and its progressive contemporary practices, offering a multifaceted experience of the city through the eyes of gallerists and artists alike.
A.S: How did the criteria for selecting the galleries come about?
Although there are several galleries and cultural spaces in Lagos City, the selection criteria for this year was centered on engaging cultural spaces that participated last year and partnering with neighbouring spaces for ease of transportation.
We were adamant about the commitment to showcasing diverse, high-quality art that reflects Lagos’ cultural dynamism. For the 2026 edition, we hope to engage many more cultural spaces in the Lagos Art Ecosystem.
A.S: What can the audience expect from the artists and the galleries/cultural spaces selected?
S.A: The audience can expect a range of thought-provoking & exciting programming that offer immersive experiences, dynamic storytelling, and bold creative expression. The selected artists and galleries will present works that challenge traditional boundaries, embrace local culture, and push the envelope on contemporary artistic practices.
A.S: LGW encourages visitors to “Curate Their Route.” How do you see this personal route impacting the engagement with the art?
S.A: Encouraging visitors to “Curate Their Route” gives visitors the freedom to experience and engage with the art in a way that reflects their personal interests. This approach fosters a deeper connection with the artworks and galleries, as individuals have the freedom to explore the themes and styles that resonate with them most.
A.S: How do you see LGW creating deeper connections between artists, collectors, old and new audiences?
S.A: I believe in the power of community-building and fostering stronger ties with those in your industry. LGW aims to facilitate this by creating space for artists, collectors, and audiences to connect through the entire city. From immersive exhibitions and open dialogues, to community-driven events, we encourage everyone both old and newcomers to the art world to experience this wonderful weekend.
A.S: What would you say was an obstacle faced in creating this year’s edition and how have you overcome that?
S.A: One potential obstacle was the challenge of coordinating and collating all the data from 20 galleries and 5 art institutions across a large city like Lagos. Overcoming logistical challenges are normal but we wouldn’t have it any other way! Our online platform is a testament to all the hard work and we hope the Lagos Gallery Weekend website will serve as a consistent resource for anyone looking to view the galleries locally in the city!
A.S: What do you personally find most exciting about this year’s Lagos Gallery Weekend?
S.A: The most exciting aspect are the tours! They have been carefully curated to touch every single location and it will truly be exciting! This year’s theme, “Discover Lagos Through Art,” is truly in effect and it offers a unique chance to explore the city’s rich cultural fabric in a way that highlights both the traditional and contemporary, and showcases the immense talent that Lagos has to offer.
A.S: How can people best engage with and support LGW beyond attending the events?
S.A: Beyond attending the events, people can support LGW by sharing their experiences on social media, engaging with the participating galleries and artists online, and contributing to the art ecosystem indigenously.
