Prior to the trip, a kick-off art show and fundraiser featuring the 14 artists was hosted at the Residence of Swiss Ambassadors H.E. Arthur Mattli and H.E. Florence Tinguely Mattli. The event was a preview of the artwork to be exhibited in Nairobi but also an opportunity to give the artists a special chance for them to present their work in Dar es Salaam. The original 14 artists are Amani Abeid, Cloud Chatanda, Cuthbert Semngoja, Haji Chilonga, Ludovick Kaija, Lutengano Mwakisopile, Masoud Kibwana, Mawila Khamsini, Moses Luhanga, Nadir Tharani, Raza Mohamed, Salum Kambi, Thobias Minzi and Vita Malulu.
Since the trip the artists have held an outdoor painting event on a busy street downtown Dar es Salaam as part of their efforts to interact with the local community and create public awareness of the role of visual arts in society. Some of the 14 artists will also participate in the 2017 East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAFAB) late this year.
EASTAFAB is an art exhibition held once every two years with the sole aim of promoting visual arts in East Africa. The 2017 biennale is expected to take place in November. The organising committee also plans to hold mini biennale exhibitions and workshops across East Africa in Arusha, Nairobi, Kampala, Kigali and Bujumbura in December.