By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

Creative synergy as Nigeria’s leading art fair pledges partnership with cultural powerhouse CBAAC to promote Black and African heritage, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in Lagos.

A powerful wave of artistic collaboration swept through the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) in Lagos on Thursday, as a vibrant delegation from Art X Lagos paid a courtesy visit that quickly transformed into a celebration of culture, creativity, and Pan-African unity.

Led by Jumoke Sanwo, Head of Documentation at Art X Lagos, and guided by cultural journalist Pele Awofeso, the delegation—comprising both local and international artists—was warmly received by Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie, Director-General of CBAAC, alongside her senior management team.

Following a brief orientation on the centre’s mission and a rich reflection on the legacy of FESTAC ’77, Adedosunmu Adesegun, CBAAC’s Deputy Director of Research and Publications, took the guests on an immersive tour of the institution’s galleries.

The artists, visibly inspired, described CBAAC as a “treasure house that tells the story of the Black and African peoples,” expressing deep admiration for its extensive collection and its role in safeguarding the continent’s cultural memory.

“We were overwhelmed by the depth of the collection,” said Jumoke Sanwo. “Seeing the works that chronicle our shared history reaffirmed why Art X Lagos exists — to spotlight and nurture African creativity.”

In a symbolic gesture of partnership, the Art X Lagos team pledged continued collaboration with CBAAC, promising to feature the centre’s works in future programming and to co-create initiatives that promote African and Black artistic excellence globally.

Responding, Hon. Aisha Adamu Augie reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and strengthening institutional partnerships.

“This partnership aligns perfectly with CBAAC’s mandate to nurture young creatives and amplify African narratives on the global stage,” she said. “We look forward to co-curating exhibitions, residencies and research projects that celebrate our heritage.”

The visit signals a growing synergy between Nigeria’s leading cultural institutions and Africa’s foremost contemporary art platforms, paving the way for dynamic exchanges that will shape the future of African art.

As the Art X Lagos delegation departed, their reflections captured the spirit of the day — that Africa’s artistic story is not just being preserved in archives, but being rewritten, every day, through collaboration and creativity.

The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) is a federal agency dedicated to preserving, promoting and propagating the artistic and cultural heritage of Black and African peoples. Through exhibitions, research, publications, and educational programmes, CBAAC continues to serve as a living repository — a “treasure house” — of Africa’s creative legacy.