Applications Open for OneBeat Residency Program 2024

OneBeat is accepting applications from 50 global artists from up to 54 eligible countries and territories for two month-long U.S.-based music exchanges scheduled for the spring and fall of 2024.

OneBeat, an initiative of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is collaboration with the groundbreaking New York-based music organization Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation. They organize multiple programs for artists from all over the world to create collaborative original music, serving as a potent new form of cultural diplomacy.

After more than 10 years of OneBeat programs, they are excited to announce that they will now be running two OneBeat residencies each year, with a total of 50 accepted OneBeat fellows (ages 19-35) from up to 54 countries and territories. Accepted OneBeat Fellows will meet in the U.S. for one month to collaboratively write, produce, and perform original music, and develop strategies for arts-based social engagement.

OneBeat begins with an opening residency, when Fellows collaborate to create original material, record new musical ideas, and incubate their projects. OneBeat fellows then go on tour, performing for a wide array of American audiences, collaborating with local musicians, and leading workshops with youth. During the month, each OneBeat musician also sets out their plans for the future, developing projects in their home countries linked to a mutually reinforcing network of music-driven social enterprises.

These residencies will take place over two independent periods (April – May 2024 and September – October 2024), and we are currently accepting applications until September 15, 2023.

Benefits

All costs will be covered for OneBeat Fellows, including travel and accommodations. Fellows will also receive a per diem and a modest honorarium.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be 19 or older by the start of the program (September 1, 2024) and 35 or younger at the end of the program (October 31, 2024).
• OneBeat Fellows must currently live full-time in one of the 45 eligible countries and territories. They also seek applicants who have not traveled extensively to the U.S. or have rarely performed in the U.S. Eligible Countries and Territories: Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela
• Applicants should be able to converse in and understand basic English, as it will be the common language of the OneBeat program.
• Whenever possible, OneBeat Fellows should actively use email and be able to connect to the internet to participate in website-based activities.
• Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with or without formal musical training. They welcome music of all genres, including but not limited to: traditional/folk, hip hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, multimedia art, or any combination of these styles. In addition to full-time professional musicians, we also invite adventurous musicians who double as community organizers, instrument builders, writers, videographers, musicologists, educators, storytellers, dancers, shadow-puppeteers, and more.

Criteria

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

How To Apply

Click Here To Apply.

For more information, visit OneBeat.

Deadline for Submission: September 15, 2023

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