Deadline: 10-Feb-22
Applications are now open for the OneBeat Virtual 2022 in Nigeria.
Now in its sixth year, OneBeat is cultivating a groundbreaking international network of leading artistic, technological, and social innovators in music. An initiative of the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the groundbreaking New York-based music organization Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation, OneBeat employs collaborative original music as a potent new form of cultural diplomacy.
OneBeat brings 25 musicians (ages 19-35) from around the world to the U.S. for one month each fall 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. In a closing residency, each OneBeat musician sets out their plans for the future, developing projects in their home countries linked to a mutually-reinforcing network of music-driven social enterprises.
Focus Areas
They are seeking applicants who excel in the following areas:
- Musical Excellence & Innovation – A high level of performance, composition, improvisational, production and/or technological skill.
- 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-political issues, reviving dying musical traditions, etc.
- 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- Innovative musicians either stylistically, lyrically, or technologically within their musical worlds;
- Willing to cross cultural and musical divides in creating original music, or re-interpreting traditional music;
- Active in their communities or greater societies. This could include, but is not limited to, starting a music school, promoting peace and democracy through music, or reviving musical traditions;
- 19-35 years old;
- Able to converse in basic English;
- Citizen and resident of one of the 40 eligible countries and territories, and have not traveled extensively to the U.S. or have rarely performed in the U.S.;
- Able to be active in online communities and participate in website-based activities.
For more information, visit https://ng.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchange-programs/onebeat/