National Basketball Association (NBA) Nigeria is hosting the third edition of “NBA Meets Art,” a vibrant installation that celebrates the intersection of basketball, Nigerian art, and culture at West Africa’s premier art fair, Art X Lagos. The event is being held at The Federal Palace in Lagos, Nigeria, and will run until Sunday, Nov. 3.
This year’s installation, titled “Breaking Barriers,” is crafted by renowned Nigerian pop artist and illustrator Williams Chechet. It highlights how basketball inspires hope, reshapes identities, and encourages the youth to aspire beyond limitations. Chechet’s artwork merges the dynamic spirit of basketball with cultural symbols and activism, depicting the game as a metaphor for pursuing change and possibility.
The centerpiece of “Breaking Barriers” features hands reaching out collectively to grasp a basketball, symbolizing teamwork and unity. Through elements like movement, collaboration, and goal-setting, the artwork resonates with the resilience and determination inherent in both basketball and the struggle for change.
Adding a modern twist, the artwork incorporates augmented reality (AR) technology, allowing visitors to scan a QR code to bring the installation to life on their mobile phones. Through this interactive feature, the animated artwork can be recorded and shared on social media, amplifying its reach and impact.
Guests are also invited to participate directly in the creative process, contributing to a live art collage by arranging colorful cutouts from magazines and newspapers at the installation.
“NBA Meets Art remains a must-see, capturing the unique blend of basketball and African culture,” said Gbemisola Abudu, Vice President and Head of NBA Nigeria. “As we explore our heritage and Nigeria’s influence on basketball, art, and culture, we honor the game’s role in building connections and inspiring young Africans to dream big. We look forward to welcoming art and basketball fans alike at Art X Lagos this weekend.”
In 2022, the “NBA Meets Art” installation featured Dennis Osadebe’s work, “Passing / Building / Victory,” which underscored the importance of teamwork on and off the court and its potential to uplift communities—aligning with the NBA’s mission to connect and inspire people globally through basketball.
The initiative debuted in November 2022 with an evening reception that brought together leaders from fashion, music, art, business, and sports, celebrating Nigerian creativity through art, music, fashion, and photography.
