As ART X Lagos celebrated its tenth year, exploring how imagination can shape the future of African cities, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, stood out through its sponsorship of The Library, an installation dedicated to knowledge, continuity, and cultural insight.

 

The 2025 fair, which held in Lagos, recently,  embraced the theme ‘Imagining Otherwise, No Matter the Tide’, inviting audiences to reflect on how imagination can foster healthier, more connected urban futures.

 

Over the years, ART X Lagos has grown into a vital platform for contemporary African expression. For Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, the partnership aligns with its belief that creativity, knowledge, and cultural preservation are essential to building thriving societies. As an organisation committed to safeguarding the future of millions of Nigerians, it recognises art’s power to document history, inspire new thinking, and strengthen community bonds.

 

This year, the organisation expanded its contribution through The Library, an interactive installation designed as a space for quiet reflection and shared discovery. Inspired by the resilience of Nigeria’s mangrove ecosystems, The Library symbolises continuity, renewal, and the value of collective knowledge. Visitors explored curated books and visual materials from the Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation art library; selections from the ART X curator’s research archive; ART X Cinema programming; and an exhibition of works by the iconic Nigerian artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. The installation offered a contemplative counterpoint to the fair’s vibrant energy, inviting audiences to consider how ideas and stories shape the world around them.

 

At the event,  Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers,  Olumide Oyetan, highlighted how the theme reflects Nigeria’s resilience, a resilience mirrored in the ingenuity and determination of communities nationwide.

 

He noted that imagination is central not only to artistic expression but also to long-term planning, resilience, and financial confidence, enabling us to envision possibilities beyond the present and build sustainable futures rooted in shared purpose.

 

He described The Library as a space for reflection, learning, inspiration, and a drive for tomorrow. Olumide emphasised the importance of nurturing young minds, encouraging them to appreciate art, and inspiring them to imagine a promising future. He also expressed appreciation for the creativity and innovation of African artists, noting that showcasing this rich cultural heritage reflects a belief in every individual’s potential to foster positive change. He concluded by encouraging everyone to celebrate their culture and the promise of what lies ahead.

 

The event also featured the signature Kids Tour, welcoming 60 students from Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta; Mile High International School, Ikotun; and Roy Dek Academy, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos. The tour introduced participants to contemporary art, providing insights into various media and techniques while sparking curiosity and fostering early appreciation for visual arts.