NEST Cycle II — Sessions

Sessions of NEST Palestine program Cycle II (Phase one)

 

Overview of Sessions

Designed exclusively for the 41 artists selected through our open call, these closed sessions provide deep-dive and tailored learning. Participants will explore key pillars of artistic growth, including artistic identity, digital marketing and PR, the live industry, and the value of copyrights. Led by industry experts, these sessions offer guidance to help participants refine their craft, navigate the industry, and start building sustainable careers — empowering them to amplify their voices and take their next steps with more confidence.

Click on each session for details

Theme One: Artistic identity

  • This session will be a conversation between artist managers and creative directors Aura Anahita and Lola Levent and Imed Alibi, moderated by Emily Gonneau. This masterclass will dive into the essential role that creative direction and management play in shaping an artist’s identity. Aura, Imed and Lola will share their experiences working with artists to develop a unique visual and sonic world that truly reflects who they are. They will discuss how artists can embrace their individuality, stay consistent with their vision, and make artistic choices that strengthen their brand. The session will also explore the balance between creative freedom and industry expectations, as well as practical strategies to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape. Through real-life case studies and personal insights, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to build a strong artistic foundation that supports long-term career development.

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  • This masterclass led by Timmy Mowafi and Riham Issa, will dive into the art of shaping an artist's public narrative and understanding audience engagement across digital media platforms. Artists will learn how to position themselves in media outlets, maximize interview opportunities, and refine their communication strategies to effectively connect with their fanbase. The session will provide practical insights on preparing for interviews, crafting key messages, and leveraging digital spaces to enhance their presence.

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  • This session is a masterclass with Emily Gonneau from Nü Agency., designed to give artists the tools to identify, refine, and communicate their unique artistic identity. Emily will guide participants through a structured process that helps them clarify what sets them apart, define their message, and shape their brand story in an authentic way.

    The masterclass will focus on storytelling as a powerful tool for artists, not just in music but in everything they create, from visuals to communication with their audience. Participants will learn how to craft their personal narrative, develop a compelling artist statement, and translate their identity into branding elements that resonate across different platforms.

    This masterclass will also include strategies to help artists articulate their creative vision, making it easier to connect with audiences, industry professionals, and the media. By the end of the session, artists will have a clearer sense of their artistic direction and practical steps to build a brand that reflects their true identity.

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  • Success in the music industry is rarely straightforward - it’s a mix of talent, strategy, and being in the right place at the right time. This session will explore how to identify the key people who can accelerate your career, from industry professionals to creative collaborators, and how to position yourself in the right spaces, both online and offline, to reach new audiences and grow your presence.

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Theme Two: Digital Marketing and PR

  • This session is a masterclass, led by Nina Kehagia from shesaid.so, designed to equip independent artists, songwriters, and self-producing musicians with the tools to develop a compelling content strategy and strengthen their brand presence online. Participants will explore practical content planning techniques, case studies of successful artist branding, and strategies for growing an engaged digital audience. This session goes beyond theory, offering real-world insights to help artists take control of their marketing and stand out in the digital space.

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  • This masterclass offers a comprehensive guide to releasing your music through Believe, a leading digital music distribution platform. Learn how to prepare your music for release, develop effective distribution and release strategies, and maximize your visibility and reach. Discover how to navigate the complexities of monetization and royalties, and gain insights from successful artists who have used Believe to launch their careers.

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  • This session will explore how TikTok has become a major driver of music discover and how artists can use it to grow their fanbase and increase engagement. Participants will learn best practices for content creation, viral strategies, and how to leverage TikTok's music-related tools. The session will also cover how artists can work with trends, challenges, and influencer collaborations to amplify their reach.

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  • Led by experts from META, this session will focus on how artists can optimize their presence across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp to promote their music and connect with their audience. Attendees will learn how to use META's latest music-related technologies, engage with fans through Stories and Reels, and strategically run promotions. This sesison will also explore how artists can use WhatsApp as a fan engagement tool.

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  • This session will provide artists with an in-depth understanding of Anghami's ecosystem, its journey as the leading music streaming platform in the MENA region, and how artists can fully leverage its features. Participants will learn how to use Anghami for Creators, explore curation and marketing opportunities, and discover local initiatives supporting emerging Palestinian artists. Industry professionals will share insights on how to optimize profiles, boost discoverability, and connect with regional audiences.

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  • This masterclass, led by Music Ally's Marketing and Training Operations, Juliana Ortiz, will dive deep into strategies for engaging and growing dedicated fan communities. Moving beyond traditional social media algorithms, this session will explore how artists can build strong, interactive communities using platforms like Discord, Telegram, and Reddit. Participants will also learn how to identify and nurture superfans, leverage data-driven insights, and develop monetization strategies to create sustainable revenue from the most loyal supporters.

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  • Join Martin Abega from Bridge.audio for a masterclass on how to manage and organize your music catalog and increase visibility and secure more opportunities. Martin will cover best practices for audio asset management, using AI to enhance music discoverability, and practical strategies for navigating sync licensing opportunities in film, TV, and advertising. This session will also touch on sustainable digital practices to streamline music production and distribution.

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Theme Three: Live Industry

  • This session will be a discussion with music industry professionals, offering artists valuable insight into how talent is discovered, developed, and supported. The conversation will explore the key factors that industry professionals look for when scouting new artists, from artistic uniqueness and market potential to professionalism and long-term vision. Speakers will share their perspectives on what makes an artist stand out, the role of timing and strategy in getting signed, and the different ways industry players collaborate with emerging talent.

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  • This session will provide practical insights into navigating the regional live music industry and building sustainable touring strategies for MENA artists. Participants will gain an understanding of the key players in the touring ecosystem, including booking agents, promoters, and venue partnerships. The discussion will also offer effective tour planning, from routing and logistics to adapting performances for diverse audiences. Additionally, artists will learn how to remain active in the regional market, leveraging opportunities such as industry partnerships, festival circuits, and cross-border collaborations.

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  • The live music industry operates through different mechanisms depending on the market and scale. This session will explore the structure of the ticketing and festival booking industry, highlighting the key differences between the MENA region and Europe. Participants will learn how to navigate the business side of live music, including securing bookings, working with promoters and booking agents, and understanding ticketing platforms and revenue streams. The session will provide practical strategies for building a sustainable live career and positioning yourself effectively in diverse markets.

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