After its founding conference on Goiree Island in March 2007, the second continent-wide conference of the Arterial Network will take place from 20-22 September in Johannesburg, just before the World Summit on Arts and Culture. Between 50 and 75 delegates are expected to attend representing all the regions of the continent.

The theme of the conference is “Advancing the rights and status of African artists through the Nairobi Plan of Action on Cultural Industries”. The Nairobi Plan has been adopted by the African Union and African Ministers of Culture and it represents an opportunity for civil society organisations to promote their interests and better conditions for artists working and living in African countries.

We invite delegates who attended the inaugural Arterial Network meeting as well as delegates linked to national, regional or continental artists’ networks on the continent to apply to attend the conference by submitting a letter of application and motivation to Margerie Vacle, margeriev@africacentre.net by April 15th 2009.