Program
Palestine Music Conference
20 — 21 September, 2023
At A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah, Palestine
DAY 1 Wednesday, September 20th (3 sessions)
11:00 – 11:15 Opening speech
Speech by PMC coordination committee
Speech by Director of Agence Française de Développement (AFD) – Ms. V. Sauvat
11:15 – 12:15 Session one
The music industry in Palestine — reality and vision
This panel offers a comprehensive overview of Palestine’s music industry spanning the past four decades, reflecting on its transformation on the backdrop of political, social, and economic fluctuations. Our discussion will explore how the industry not only endured but thrived, reaching international recognition. We will examine the present challenges and prospective opportunities for the sector. Our panellists will also envision the future, outlining actionable strategies to elevate Palestine’s music industry locally and internationally.
Speakers
Suhail Khoury General Director- Edward Said National Conservatory of Music
Samir Jubran Le Trio Joubran
Moderator
Samer Jaradat Executive Director of Jafra Productions
12:15 – 12:30 Break
12:30 – 13:45 Session two
Legal frameworks in Palestine – current legal infrastructure, and priorities for improvement
In this session, we look at the current legal frameworks of the music industry in Palestine and we question how they work to support and protect musicians and artists. We reflect on the various reasons in which these frameworks have not improved over the last years. The session provides us with insight on local advocacy initiatives and communication with policy makers to transform current legal frameworks in support of creative rights protection and financial benefits for artists.
We look at regional examples, and the role SACEM plays in support of music industries in various countries. We also reflect on how the partnership between Jafra Productions, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and SACEM could contribute to enhancing legal frameworks in Palestine.
Speakers
Issa Kassis Mayor of Ramallah
Habib Achour Director of International Development at SACEM
Riyad Ayassi Expert and legal consultant in intellectual property rights
Moderator
Mohammad Maragha The programs and concerts director at ESNCM
13:45 – 14:00 Break
14:00 – 15:00 Session three
Community and audience engagement
Audiences and communities are essential and influential in the success of any music industry. In this session, we look at the role audiences play in the production process and the overall success of musicians. We further address experiences around engaging local communities and building audiences; how to make music accessible, how to utilize and activate public spaces for a collective exposure and interaction with music and musicians.
Speakers
DR. Issa Boulos Composer, songwriter, lyricist, ethnomusicologist
Ragheda Andoni Cultural activist
Sally Abu Bakr Director of Cultural Development Department at Ramallah Municipality
Moderator
Emile Ashrawi
DAY 2 Thursday, September 21st (3 sessions)
11:15 – 12:30 Session one
Music industry education in Palestine, beyond music theory, what education do we need to build a successful industry?
This panel explores the landscape of music education in Palestine and its role in preparing individuals for successful careers within the music industry. We delve deeper into the current state of music education, covering the spectrum from foundational music theory to the complexities of industry operations. We look at current examples for music education, and reflect on ways in which we can bridge the gap between the labor market needs and educational opportunities. The session highlights important industry needs for growth.
Speakers
Suhail Khoury General Director- Edward Said National Conservatory of Music
Iyad Staiti Musician and Director of Al Kamandjati
Tareq Jundi Composer and Oud player
Heather Bursheh Faculty member on Birzeit University Music Program, flute teacher at ESNCM
Moderator
Jiries Boulata Pianist and composer
12:30 – 12:45 Break
12:45 – 13:45 Session two
Models for artistic mobilization and protection
This session discusses artistic mobilization and protection. It reflects on ways in which we can ensure artistic freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and ensuring equal opportunities for artists within challenges socio-economic and political structures.
We further reflect on global models, like the copyright management organizations (CMOs) and their role in protecting royalties, creative rights, and financial sustainability.
Speakers
Ahmed Eid Musician
Maysa Daw Musician, singer songwriter
Habib Achour Director of International Development at SACEM
Moderator
Bernardo Queirós Music Consultant
13:45 – 14:00 Break
14:00 – 15:00 Session three
The Industry from Artists’ Perspective: Production, Publishing, and Needs in Palestine
How do musicians navigate the music industry in Palestine? This panel discussion brings to the front the artists’ experience with music production and publishing. Through highlighting local initiatives and personal experiences of music production and publishing, we examine the specific challenges and needs faced by Palestinian artists, including social, economic and political aspects standing in the way of artistic growth.
Speakers
Tareq Abboushi Musician
Marwan Halabi Artist
Makimakkuk Music Artist
Majd Hajjajj Delia representative in Palestine
Moderator
Maya Alkhaldi Artist and Educator
15:00 – 15:30 Closing Speech
Jafra Productions
SACEM
Expertise France
