Thanks to those wonderful people who donated,
the first PalestineMusiceXpo (PMX2017) was a massive
success.

PMX focuses on bringing artists and professionals together in an effort to build mutually beneficial relationships and develop valuable networking opportunities for the musicians.

It has already changed the lives of Palestinian
musicians in a way we couldn’t have dreamed of. 
Below this email you can read what just a few of the people who were directly affected by it have said about their ongoing experience.

Here is an article published by The Guardian that summarises last year's event. Also, please check this video and here are some numbers of what went down:

*  32
international delegates from countries including the US, Canada, UK, Brazil,
Switzerland, France, Zimbabwe.

*  More than 5000 people came to the event during the 3 days.

*  10 panel discussions for local artists with international delegates

*  Live web link-up between Gaza artists and international delegates

*  23 bands (81 artists) performed during the 3 days (7 bands got booked for festivals and shows abroad or got signed by an agent so far).

We are now preparing for the next Palestine Music Expo (PMX2018) which will take place in Ramallah Apr 10-14 featuring more bands, more delegates, and offer even greater opportunities for Palestinian musicians.

Some of the biggest influencers in the
international music industry will be joining us. If it’s anything like last year, the experience they have in Palestine will motivate some of them to go on to join our team. We started by bringing the international music industry to Palestine but it’s not going to stop there. Now we are working with partners on the ground to support the long-term development of an authentic Palestinian
music industry that will transform the dreams and life chances of many more.

Our plans include training, developing touring
opportunities, mentoring and helping Palestinian talent to get connected in all
sorts of ways.

Now the money part….

We need your help to reach our goal, continue the positive change and offer hope.  All donations raised will be used to pay for cover travel and accommodation expenses for our delegates as well as production costs associated with running and events and panels.

Please consider donating what you can afford. PMX and the musicians involved would be very grateful

Many thanks for reading and supporting!

Peace

Stephen Budd

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Comments on PMX
2017 and its results;

Hashem Shawa - CEO, Bank of Palestine : “This is the most significant and
important cultural initiative that I’ve seen come to Palestine in the last 10
years.”

Hasan Nahkleh of Tootard - PMX
Artist : “Since last Spring, PMX has been our international amplifier. During the showcase we met amazing professionals who have become our team members. PMX was exactly what we needed to export out music worldwide and to get an opportunity in the international scene.”

Rasha Nahas -
Singer Songwriter - PMX Artist : PMX is not just another exhibition or show in Palestine. It is creating an industry by us and for us. From when we understood what PMX
stands for, we wanted to be part of the family. The people who PMX brought from outside Palestine related to us not just on a music or business level but on a
human level. We saw the same perspective and we saw respect and love. The opportunity you gave us was very big for us. It was a boost. And now, we want to be at the same level as this opportunity.

The PMX mentoring program has gave me not only
tools to work with, but a much bigger something: HOPE. The knowledge that I'm not alone or isolated and have to try to work it out all by myself. People who see my potential and believe in it. Those are, for me, reasons to make things happen. It's amazing to feel special and unique yet connected to a community.”

Lana Nahas -
Music Lawyer Mentoring Candidate : “The mentoring program therefore is extremely educational, guiding me into a different level of professionalism.  Today, I am definitely a better lawyer , assisting several local artists, consequently contributing to our cultural development.”

Katherine
Goodenough - Greenbelt Festival Organiser and PMX Delegate : “After being delighted and excited to be part of the first PMX in the spring of this year, we then
showcased three great Palestinian acts at our summer festival in August – TootArd, Apo and the Apostles and 47Soul. We also had a wide-ranging programme
of Palestinian speakers and activists in panels and conversations at the festival. We were thrilled that the spotlight we were able to shine on Palestinian artistry resulted in us winning this year's Independent Festivals'
‘Act of Independence’ award for 2017.”