This session focusses on artist development in a region that often seems inaccessible to the broader global music industry, mainly due to its very recent inception as part of the global commercial music business. The panel aims to correct common misconceptions, clarify the current landscape, advise on best practices, in terms of local collaborations and partnerships, and outline the opportunities and challenges for artists both within and outside the region. Regional experts will discuss both the development of regional artists locally and globally, looking to develop their careers within and beyond the region, and the development of opportunities for global artists wanting to enter the region.