Palestine Music Expo (PMX)

Ramallah, Palestine. September 2022.....***UPDATE!!!***

Dear friends and amazing supporters. 

I have the saddest message to confirm. Due to recent, unprecedented and unexplained violent action against artists lately - particularly LGBTQIA+ and female artists - PMX have been forced to secure the wellbeing of our performers and delegates, and cancel PMX 2022.  

Such a heavy heart and a hard decision - particularly for a conference and spirit which exists precisely to cut through oppression and to let music thrive for itself. 

However!  We will be back in 2023. 

Your support is INVALUABLE. It is meaningful, welcome, understood - and it literally allows us to keep the music coming and for us to support artists. 

We do continue to support local artists year-round. We provide workshops, advice, masterclasses and 1-1 connections with the international music industry for opportunities and growth. 

Your help makes this happen. Your support keeps us going. 

Thank you.

However we totally understand that time and money are valuable so we openly ask if existing sponsors would like their funds returned for another day or, if you would like to keep your sponsorship with us for PMX 2023. Entirely your generosity and so, your call! Just let me know directly. 

Meantime, I leave our story below. And regarding the recent situation, please see the full statement here https://www.palestinemusicexpo.com/pmx-2022

and coverage from Hot Press here too https://www.hotpress.com/culture/palestino-music-expo-22-cancelled-after-violent-israeli-attack-22925865

Again my friends, my thanks, my sorries and I hope to see you soon.

Best wishes

Lucie

------ Our Story ------

Five years ago, a little group of UK music execs and Palestinian creatives started on a journey that would end up becoming a movement – one which would connect the music, creativity, and talent of Palestine, to the rest of the world. Thanks to many of you, the first Three editions of PMX have changed the lives of Palestinian musicians in a way we could never have imagined.

In 2020 and 2021, we and the rest of the world were forced to take a break. Covid-19 left the stages of the globe empty.

But we are back! Just like the rest of the world, we are picking up the mic and planning for PMX2022, to take place in Ramallah (Palestine) this September. 

Back, with the goal of introducing the international music industry to the wide range of amazing musical talent to be found in Palestine. PMX has made some valuable connections and, it is a truly unique experience;  a nightly musical journey for 1,500 young people to see live shows of many genres and many regions - from traditional Oud to Hip Hop and, a daytime journey experiencing some of Palestine's rich society, culture and, daily realities. In previous years, we have taken international music execs to Jerusalem, Hebron and Bethlehem. 

An important part of PMX is to enrich and strengthen the local scene in Palestine. We provide knowledge-sharing, connectivity and support for artists and music entrepreneurs. Our panels share industry insights and focused, 1-1 conversations  and workshops bring empowering knowledge and networking to everyone involved.  We are already seeing that these exchanges are really helping to create the momentum needed for the development of an authentic Palestinian music industry. The talent is there, from the mic to negotiating table - with your help we have amplified that and, we continue...

So far the PMXs have succeeded beyond our expectations:-

·        9 bands have been signed to record deals;

·        7 music industry internships have been offered and 6 have already taken place;

·        Festival bookers are booking increasing numbers of Palestinian artists programmed on international stages.

·        16 artists have been offered and have accepted international tour opportunities;

·        A studio in Bethlehem's Aida Refugee Camp has been supported by equipment donations from our partner organisation In Place of War .

·        Supported by our partners, including SACEM, we are lobbying for copyright law and infrastructural support for the ultimate goal; a sustainable music sector in Palestine. 

In September, we will again have 3 nights of  incredible music - and this year, we are also immersing guests in the local Dance and DJ scenes andsupporting local venues. 

We do this with a tiny team, a lot of effort, our own funds and, invaluable supporters. We do need your help to make it happen. 

Please make a donation. to PMX and help to give Palestinian musicians a voice the world can enjoy.

So many thanks.

Lucie