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Despite Africa’s immense cultural heritage and a wealth of artistic talent across its 54 nations, the continent’s art sector faces critical challenges that limit its growth and global impact. Africa currently accounts for less than 1% of the estimated $65 billion global art market, underscoring a significant gap in the representation and valuation of African art. Yet, the continent holds a storied history and vibrant cultures that have shaped global aesthetics across centuries – from traditional textiles to innovative, contemporary expressions.

Limited investment in arts infrastructure means that African artists often lack access to essential tools, such as professional training, museums, galleries, and auction houses. This underfunding results in missed opportunities to elevate their work to international level and limits Africa’s influence within the global art conversation. In Nigeria, only about 20% of tertiary institutions offer arts programmes, significantly restricting access to formal education for young artists. Across Africa, schools often lack resources for art programmes and other cultural studies, leaving many aspiring artists without proper guidance, mentorship, and facilities that could nurture their talent.

Art institutions throughout the continent are also woefully underfunded. Public spending on arts and culture averages less than 1% of national budgets in African countries, compared to the 3-4% invested by Western culture. This lack of institutional support affects the preservation of cultural heritage, with approximately 90% of Africa’s cultural artifacts housed outside the continent in foreign museums and private collections. This situation further limits Africans’ access to their own history and creative heritage, depriving younger generations of the chance to explore their identity through their ancestral art.

The unique cultural landscape of Africa remains largely unrepresented in global art markets, often being subject to a narrow, stereotyped view that does not reflect the diversity, resilience, and innovation of contemporary African creatives. Addressing these structural barriers could unlock a massive, untapped creative economy that not only enriches Africa’s cultural landscape but also contributes substantially to the global art world. For African artists to thrive, a broad strategy is essential. Strategic investments in art infrastructure, education, and international marketing are needed to empower creators, preserve cultural heritage, and create sustainable economic opportunities that uplift both artists and the communities that inspire them. By fostering partnerships with global art institutions, encouraging government support, and increasing private-sector investment, the challenges facing African art can be alleviated, allowing it to gain the recognition, value, and economic support it truly deserves.

A unique example of private-sector commitment to advancing the African art industry is Access Holdings and its support for the Access ART X Prize. Launched in partnership with ART X Collective, the ART X Prize has emerged as a highly coveted award aimed at empowering emerging African artists. This initiative seeks to address many of the obstacles that African artists face by creating direct pathways to funding, visibility, and mentorship. With a prize that includes $10,000 in grant support, an exhibition at the prestigious ART X Lagos, and a residency programme, the Access ART X Prize is a lifeline for early-career artists eager to make their mark.

Since its inception in 2016, the Access ART X Prize has illuminated the paths of emerging African artists, providing them with avenues to showcase their talents on global platforms. In a groundbreaking move last year, the prize expanded its scope to welcome early-career artists from across the African continent and its diaspora. This shift represents a transformative step in fostering inclusivity and diversity in African art by transcending borders and inviting voices from Africa’s far-reaching diaspora to contribute to the continent’s rich artistic narrative.

For emerging artists, the Access ART X Prize provides a rare opportunity to engage in cultural exchange programmes that connect them with the international art community. The 2023 edition, for instance, offers two distinct residencies: Nigerian winners will be hosted by Gasworks in London, a revered institution supporting international artists, while African/Diasporan winners will embark on a residency at Yinka Shonibare’s GAS Foundation in Lagos. These residencies are transformative, offering invaluable experiences where artists can exchange ideas, access advanced studio facilities, and receive one-on-one mentorship from established practitioners.

The impact of these residencies is manifold. Not only do they grant African artists a foothold in international art circuits, but they also bring global perspectives back to local communities, fostering new styles, techniques, and thought processes. This ‘glocal’ (i.e. global and local) connection strengthens the African art scene, enriching its narratives and amplifying its voices to a broader audience. The Access ART X Prize is not just about recognising talent; it is about empowering the next generation of African artists to tell their stories and inspire the world. Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing creativity and driving the growth of the African art industry, fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

The importance of platforms like the Access ART X Prize extends beyond individual recognition; it also catalyses broader conversations about Africa’s cultural heritage and global identity. Africa has long been regarded as a reservoir of creative expression, from ancient Nubian relics and Egyptian murals to contemporary Afro-futurism and multimedia installations. By providing African artists with resources to explore and showcase their heritage, Access Holdings and ART X Collective reinforce cultural pride and reframe Africa’s narrative from one of underrepresentation to one of vibrancy, diversity, and innovation.

Moreover, this support offers a bridge to financial inclusion in the art sector, demonstrating to young artists that art is not only a mode of self-expression but also a viable career path. Access Holdings’ commitment to investing in African art has helped to signal the potential economic value of the industry, inspiring other organisations to explore partnerships with artists. With the Access ART X Prize and ART X Lagos, Access Holdings contributes to creating a self-sustaining art ecosystem that encourages young creatives to pursue careers in art without facing financial uncertainty or societal discouragement.

The rigorous selection process for the Access ART X Prize is testament to its dedication to quality and impact. Each submission is assessed by a panel of esteemed art professionals, who evaluate entries based on creativity, originality, and technical skill. Each jury member brings a wealth of experience and unique perspectives, ensuring that the evaluation process is both fair and comprehensive. The expertise of these jurors guarantees that the winners are not only talented but also representative of the diversity within African art. The prize’s curator emphasises the importance of diversity and experience in this evaluation process. This underscores the prize’s commitment to celebrating a broad range of African identities and voices. Through this prestigious panel, emerging artists can be assured that their work will be evaluated against the highest standards, granting winners the recognition that can propel their careers.

Our Access Art X Prize winners have forged remarkable paths using their art to inspire, challenge and redefine African identity on the global stage; Etinosa Yvonne (2019) showcased her compelling visual storytelling at the 12th Berlin Biennale; Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola (2018) secured residences at Palais de Tokyo and the Vernice Biennale College, joining the global art community; and Patrick Akpojotor (2016) achieved record auction sales, cementing his influence in contemporary African art.

As Africa's art market slowly garners global interest, initiatives like the Access ART X Prize play a pivotal role in building a sustainable future for the sector. By prioritising inclusivity and focusing on early-career artists, the prize addresses both the systemic challenges facing the African art industry and the continent’s broader socio-economic ambitions. Furthermore, as the African art scene grows, it paves the way for young artists to carry forward traditions, explore contemporary narratives, and share Africa’s diverse stories with the world.

In many ways, Access Holdings’ dedication to this initiative highlights its broader vision for Africa’s place within the global cultural landscape. As more organisations follow suit, African artists can hope to realise a more equitable, visible, and thriving art ecosystem that not only preserves the continent’s rich heritage but also transforms it into a vibrant engine of contemporary global culture.

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan is Sustainability Advisor, Access Holdings Plc.