OneBeat represents the foremost international music exchange initiative organized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This program encompasses a variety of activities aimed at fostering civic dialogue through collaborative music creation. Young musicians engage in exploring the potential for artists, institutions, and communities to collaborate in revitalizing local economies and enhancing civic participation through music, technology, and the arts.
Currently, OneBeat is inviting applications for a month-long music exchange program based in the United States, set to take place in the spring of 2025. This event will bring together 25 musicians from up to 54 eligible countries and territories. The OneBeat Fellows will participate in an intensive residency lasting approximately one month, during which they will have the opportunity to compose, produce, and perform original music, as well as devise strategies for community engagement through the arts. Following this residency, the OneBeat Fellows will embark on a tour across various regions of the U.S., showcasing their performances to diverse American audiences, collaborating with local musicians, and conducting workshops with youth and community organizations. Throughout this month-long exchange, OneBeat musicians will develop projects tailored for their home countries, highlighting the transformative potential of musical collaboration and civic engagement in addressing common community issues.
The OneBeat Music Residency Program emphasizes collaboration as a fundamental aspect. It provides musicians with the chance to engage in joint projects and delve into diverse musical traditions. Instead of highlighting individual talent, OneBeat encourages musicians to unite across various stylistic and cultural boundaries to discover innovative musical avenues.
Additionally, OneBeat is committed to social engagement. We seek musicians who demonstrate a strong dedication to their communities and are eager to explore new methods of contributing to youth development, music education, music therapy, conflict resolution, and fostering global dialogue through music, all aimed at promoting more equitable and democratic societies.
Furthermore, OneBeat is a complimentary program (though it does not offer paid performances). The program covers all expenses related to travel, transportation, meals, and accommodation for the Fellows. A modest stipend is also provided. While performance fees are not available, OneBeat presents Fellows with opportunities to create original works, forge lasting musical partnerships and friendships, acquire new marketable skills, tour across the United States, and cultivate professional networks.
Requirements for OneBeat Music Residency Program Qualification
- Musical Excellence – A high level of performance, composition, improvisational, production and/or technological skill. Ideally OneBeat musicians will be innovating stylistically, lyrically, or technologically within their musical worlds.
- Collaboration – Applicants’ willingness to reach across cultural and musical divides in creating original music or re-interpreting traditional music, while respecting the essence of each tradition. Applicants should be prepared to try new things musically.
- Social Engagement – Musicians who have used music to serve their communities or greater societies. This might consist of guiding young people in music education, addressing social or political issues through musical content, reviving dying musical traditions, and more.
- Age – Applicants must be between 19-35 years old.
- English Proficiency – Applicants should be able to converse in and understand basic English, as it will be the common language of the OneBeat program.
- Country or Territory of Origin – OneBeat Fellows must currently live full-time in one of the 45 eligible countries and territories. We also seek applicants who have not traveled extensively to the U.S. or have rarely performed in the U.S.
- Internet Proficiency – Whenever possible, OneBeat Fellows should actively use email and be able to connect to the internet to participate in website-based activities.
We invite musicians from diverse backgrounds to apply, regardless of their formal musical education. All genres are welcome, including but not limited to traditional/folk, hip hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, multimedia art, or any blend of these styles. In addition to seasoned professional musicians, we also encourage innovative individuals who may also be community organizers, instrument makers, writers, videographers, music scholars, educators, storytellers, dancers, shadow puppeteers, and more.
For the Audio/Video Application Materials: Applicants should prepare to discuss their musical journey, interests, and aspirations for future projects. You will need to submit 3-5 samples of your work, showcasing both solo and collaborative efforts (audio and video formats are acceptable).
Application Deadline
September 6, 2024
How to Apply
- To apply, visit the page to Submit your application
- if you are interested and qualified. For additional information, check out the official link
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