How World-renowned Whisky, The Macallan, Is Promoting Art In Nigeria
To commemorate whisky craftsmanship and artistic innovation in the Nigerian art scene, renowned single malt whisky, The Macallan, collaborated with Art X Lagos for the eighth edition of its annual art exhibition. The four-day event commenced with a classy private collectors’ preview on Thursday, November 2, 2023, followed by a ‘VIP Opening Night’ on Friday, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
In line with The Macallan’s ethos, the event served as a celebration of the synergy between whisky craftsmanship and artistic innovation, underscoring the prestigious whisky brand’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s thriving art and creative ecosystem. With the global art community’s spotlight on local artists, this collaboration aligns with a broader vision of nurturing innovation, creativity, culture, and the art community within Nigeria.
The Macallan whisky tasting experience for the private collectors’ preview on Thursday, and the ‘VIP Opening Night’ on Friday, provided guests with an immersive artful, and sensory experience. Notable attendees included dilettantes, whisky connoisseurs, and renowned individuals, such as the CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe; the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; Musician, Bankole Wellington; NBA Africa Vice President & Country Head, NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu; and Trace TV’s Senior Vice President of Global Business Development, Sam Onyemelukwe. The exclusive guests not only get to appreciate the artworks on display but also indulge in the ultra-premium whisky.
Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Nigeria, Hammed Adebiyi, emphasised The Macallan’s dedication to the art and crafts community, stating, “Art X Lagos has consistently championed artistic excellence in Africa, making it a natural choice for The Macallan to partner with. They share a common commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence, and we are excited to bring this to life through the intersection of art and whisky.”
Tokini Peterside, Founder and Convener of Art X Lagos shared her perspective on the growth of Nigeria’s art ecosystem. She remarked, “2023 has brought with it an exacerbation of the challenges experienced in recent years across Nigeria and Africa, and in this pivotal year, we recognise that ART X Lagos’ evolving role as a gathering place for our community, is all the more crucial”.
Since its debut in 2016, ART X Lagos has grown to host galleries and artists from over 40 countries and has become renowned for its exhibitions, which include private collector’s exhibitions, ART X Talks — a panel discussion series; ART X Live — a showcase featuring collaborations between some of the fastest-rising artists in the African continent. These programmes have featured an array of emerging and established artists from the continent and the diaspora, including El Anatsui, Wangechi Mutu, Njideka Akunyili-Crosby, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Hank Willis Thomas, and others.
Echoing its commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in art, The Macallan’s partnership with Art X Lagos highlights the synergy between whisky and artistic innovation, creating an unforgettable experience where craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity converge.
