In this conversation, panellists explored the question: Where do African artists go after achieving a certain level of acclaim while practising on the continent? Through the lens of both personal and collective longings, they examined the forces that anchor their artistic practices and shape their decisions to remain rooted in Africa, despite international recognition. Looking back at the revolutionary ideals of Pan-Africanism and Negritude, and considering contemporary ideological blocs shaping artistic practice and solidarities within Africa. This discussion provoked reflection on the realities faced by mid-career African artists who continue to work on the continent despite gaining global recognition.

This talk presented a retrospective look at the Access ART X Prize, highlighting the profound impact it has had on past prize winners and the lasting legacy of their experiences in the last 8 years. The discussion explored how the Prize has shaped the artistic journeys of these artists, expanded their networks, developed their practice, and influenced the broader arts landscape. Through personal stories and key milestones, we offered a window into how far they have come since receiving the Prize — showcasing their achievements and reflecting the exponential growth in both their ambition and the ambition of the Prize itself.

This conversation celebrated the transformative power of artistic recognition and the role ART X and Access Holdings play in elevating emerging African artists on the global stage.