Access ART X Prize: Deepening alumni impact, future of African creatives

THE Access ART X Prize was founded with mission to lift African creatives, bringing their talents out of the shadows into global spotlight.

In a landscape, where opportunities and resources are often limited, the prize has provided lifeline for African artists, offering them not only financial support but also a platform to redefine global perspectives on African art.

This initiative enables artists to tell positive stories about Africa, weaving its history, culture and contemporary experiences into narratives that resonate worldwide.

Access Holdings Plc, through its partnership with ART X Lagos, has been a steadfast supporter of this vision.

The prize embodies the group’s commitment to a vibrant, inclusive cultural landscape where art fosters social change and creative growth across the continent. Together, they are championing the essential role of art in shaping a more inclusive and inspiring future for Africa.

Before the emergence of initiatives like ART X Lagos, African artists faced a range of challenges that made it difficult to thrive in the art world.

One of the primary hurdles was financial constraints. Securing funding to create and exhibit artwork has been difficult for many artists owing to the absence of funding bodies or grants specifically dedicated to the arts in Africa.

Without financial backing, many talented individuals have been unable to pursue their craft full-time, leading to a lack of sustainability in their careers.

Furthermore, the absence of established art infrastructure, such as galleries, museums, or exhibition spaces made it harder for African artists to gain visibility.

While Western artists often have easy access to international galleries and art fairs, African artists have historically been excluded from these global platforms, limiting their opportunities to reach international audiences.

In 2024, ART X Lagos took a significant step in its mission to support and elevate African creatives by introducing the Alumni Impact Award.

This new dimension marks a pivotal moment in the prize’s evolution, recognising that an artist’s journey doesn’t end with a single accolade.

Etinosa, the 2019 winner, was honoured as recipient of the 2024 Alumni Impact Award.

The award serves as a motivator for past winners to continue pushing boundaries, encouraging them to evolve and further their creative endeavours.

The award also encourages past winners to continue creating and using their platform to inspire new generations of artists. For them, it is a reminder that their creative journeys are valued, that their work is making an impact, and that they are part of a wider, ever-growing movement in African art.

The introduction of this award adds a new dimension to this mission, celebrating artists not just for their past achievements but for their ongoing contributions to art and society.
This initiative highlights ART X’s long-term commitment to the growth of African artists, affirming that their creative journeys are valuable not just at the moment of recognition, but in the years that follow.

Roosevelt Ogbonna, MD/CEO of Access Bank, words resonate here: “At Access, we believe empowerment is the cornerstone of progress, extending beyond finance. Through our support of ART X Lagos and initiatives like the Access ART X Prize, we’re nurturing a vibrant African art ecosystem where creativity thrives and cultural impact resonates.”

This support is not just about art—it’s about celebrating African culture, preserving heritage, and giving artists the tools to make a profound impact.