One of the ARTerial Network projects consisted in organizing a workshop for arts journalists from all over Africa. This workshop was implemented by African Synergy and Marimba Media in Mbabane, Swaziland, from July 29 to August 4, 2008. It aimed at raising standards and appreciation through on-the-job specialized training as well as generating peer-to-peer contact by building and encouraging exchange and motivating quality arts coverage within a pan-African ethos.

Fifteen journalists were selected from Southern Africa, East Africa and Horn and West Africa to attend the workshop out of more than fifty applications. An exceptional group of mentors covered a number of journalism disciplines according to their experience and track record and included Andrew Whaley, Paul Brickhill, John Owoo, Eugene Ulman, Tomas Brickhill and Jackie Cahi.

As a result of the workshop, the journalists wrote an article about arts in their country, from music to film producing, giving a critical as well as a professional perspective to the arts and culture scene in their countries.

The Network invites interested parties to apply to organise a research and mentorship programme around the African arts economy that will both help to develop experts in the field on the continent and contribute to new research related to the impact of the creative sector on the arts economies of various African countries and regions.