With an increasing number of venues exhibiting underground and up-and-coming artists, Lagos, Nigeria, is a flourishing center for creativity and the arts.
For indie artists, Lagos is one of the few places in Nigeria where you can find the urban target audience; the liberal audience. So naturally, it is where artists in their purest form turn to canvass for artistic expressions.
And Lagos accommodates for these expressions like no other place in Nigeria.
The following are some noteworthy art galleries in Lagos that support independent artists through events, exhibitions, residencies, and community-focused programs:
Rele Gallery: Lagos, Nigeria is home to the contemporary art gallery Rele Gallery. Its main goal is to present both established and up-and-coming African and diasporic artists, with a concentration on pieces that examine modern African aesthetics and viewpoints. In addition to fostering the careers of its artists, the gallery is crucial in increasing the awareness of African art on the international scene.
Location: Onikan, Lagos
Why Go: Rele Gallery is renowned for supporting up-and-coming, modern artists. Highlighting up-and-coming talent is a special focus of their Young Contemporaries program.
Bogobiri House: Known for its eclectic ambiance, this creative hub in Ikoyi frequently hosts live music performances, art exhibitions, and literary events, providing a platform for indie and alternative artists.
Location: Ikoyi
Why Go: Bogobiri’s gallery area upstairs frequently features underground art in the from of open mic renditions, in addition to its bohemian vibe. Its deluxe and friendly environment also spawns creativity.
The Terra Kuture: In Lagos, Nigeria, Terra Kulture is a well-known cultural hub devoted to advancing Nigerian heritage, art, and culture. It was founded in 2004 by Bolanle Austen-Peters and functions as a center for cultural exchange, education, and artistic expression.
Location: Victoria Island
Why Go: A center of culture that blends history, literature, and theater with art exhibits. It frequently includes pieces from up-and-coming Nigerian artists.
National Museum Lagos: The National Museum Lagos, located in Onikan, Lagos Island, is one of Nigeria’s most important cultural and historical institutions. Established in 1957, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through its extensive collection of artifacts, artworks, and historical objects.
Location: Onikan
Why Go: The museum is well-known for its historical artwork, but it also periodically hosts modern shows that give up-and-coming artists a stage.
Art Twenty-One:
The Eko Hotel & Suites on Victoria Island in Lagos, Nigeria, is home to Art Twenty One, a modern art gallery. By giving artists, curators, and cultural aficionados a place to interact with cutting-edge art forms, it aims to promote contemporary art and culture in Nigeria and beyond Africa.
Location: Eko Hotel, Victoria Island
Why Go: This gallery offers a modern setting for innovative works of art by well-known and up-and-coming Nigerian artists.
Nike Art Gallery: Nike Art Gallery is one of the largest and most renowned art galleries in Nigeria, located in Lekki, Lagos. Founded by Chief (Mrs.) Nike Davies-Okundaye, a globally celebrated artist, textile designer, and cultural ambassador, the gallery is a vibrant hub for African art and culture.
Location: Lekki
Why Go: An extensive collection of Nigerian art with pieces by both well-known and lesser-known artists. It’s an excellent location for finding undiscovered treasures.
The Village Pottery Studio & Gallery: In Lagos, Nigeria, there is a creative center devoted to ceramic and pottery arts called the Village Pottery Studio and Gallery. It is a gallery and a working studio that promotes ceramic arts in Nigeria’s contemporary art scene and is well-known for emphasizing artistic expression and workmanship.
Location: Ikoyi
Reasons to Go: This neighborhood, well-known for emphasizing ceramic art, is ideal for discovering a specialized branch of Nigerian creativity.
Omenka Gallery: Omenka Gallery is one of Lagos’ premier art spaces, known for its focus on contemporary African art and the African diaspora. Situated in Ikoyi, the gallery is both a cultural hub and a landmark in the Nigerian art scene. Here’s what makes it stand out.
Location: Victoria Island
Reason: This location is more than just a studio; it’s a center for photography, creative partnerships, and displays of up-and-coming artists.
Guest Artists Space Foundation: Based in Oniru, this foundation supports interdisciplinary artists through residencies that last between four and twelve weeks and offer studio spaces, public programming opportunities, and exposure to Lagos’ thriving cultural scene.
Location: Oniru
Arthouse Foundation: located in Ikoyi, this initiative hosts exhibitions and public talks; it provides resources and mentorship to assist artists in creating new works while interacting with the Lagos artistic community.
Location: Ikoyi
Center for Contemporary Arts, Lagos (CCA Lagos): Located in Yaba, this is a dynamic space for exhibitions, residencies, and workshops. It emphasizes experimental and independent art forms, making it a great venue for indie artists.
Location: Yaba, Lagos
Each of these venues supports indie artists through a mix of creative opportunities, events, and collaborations. For further details, their websites and social media platforms can provide event schedules and application procedures.
