As ART X Lagos celebrates a new decade of African contemporary art, Champion Brands is strengthening its presence at the fair, leveraging culture, music and shared experiences to connect with diverse audiences.

The 11th edition of ART X Lagos opened on Thursday, November 5, at the Federal Palace Resort, Lagos, bringing together artists, collectors, cultural enthusiasts and creative industry stakeholders for four days of artistic expression, music and cultural engagement.

The fair, which runs until November 8, is themed “A New Chapter, A New Decade,” exploring how Africa’s cultural heritage continues to shape contemporary artistic expressions and inspire a new generation of creatives.

For Champion Breweries Plc, operating as Champion Brands, the partnership represents more than corporate sponsorship. It offers an opportunity to deepen its connection with Africa’s evolving creative landscape while positioning its expanding beverage portfolio at the intersection of culture, lifestyle and consumer experiences.

Returning for the second consecutive year, Champion Brands is bringing a broader portfolio of beverages to the fair, reflecting its transformation from an established Nigerian brewing company into a diversified beverage business with an expanding footprint across African markets.

Speaking on the partnership, Group Chief Executive Officer of Evercorp Industries and Director of Champion Breweries, Eric Idiahi, described culture as a powerful expression of identity and a platform for connecting communities.

“Culture is one of the most powerful ways we express who we are, where we come from and what we aspire to become. It lives in our art and music, but also in the everyday experiences we share.

“We believe businesses have a role to play in supporting the creative people and platforms that keep those expressions alive, while helping create opportunities for new audiences to discover and participate in them,” he said.

A major highlight of Champion Brands’ participation is the Champion Brands Lounge, an interactive space where visitors can unwind between exhibitions, connect with fellow art enthusiasts and experience the company’s diverse beverage offerings.

The lounge will showcase Champion Lager and Champ Malt alongside Bullet Black ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage, Bullet Blue energy drink, Harmattan Vodka Soda, Éclat No Sugar Co. and Bitter botanical sparkling drinks.

The expanded portfolio follows the acquisition of the Bullet brand portfolio, a strategic development that strengthened Champion Brands’ presence in the ready-to-drink alcoholic beverage and energy drink categories while extending its commercial footprint across 14 African markets.

Beyond the visual arts, Champion Brands will also support ART X Live!, the fair’s flagship music and visual art experience, scheduled for Saturday, November 7.

With Bullet as the featured partner brand, the evening will spotlight emerging African musical talents, including Kunmie, Lulu and Taves, in a programme curated by Lanre Masha.

The performances will celebrate artists drawing inspiration from Africa’s musical traditions while introducing contemporary sounds and creative expressions.

The partnership underscores the growing importance of corporate support for Africa’s creative ecosystem, where art, music and cultural innovation provide opportunities for talent development, audience engagement and economic growth.

As ART X Lagos enters a new decade, Champion Brands’ continued participation reinforces its evolving identity as a beverage business committed to cultural relevance, consumer connection and the celebration of African creativity.

The Champion Brands Lounge will welcome visitors from November 6 to 8, while ART X Live! begins at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 7.