Deadline: February 10, 2017
OneBeat is a music exchange and incubator for music-based social entrepreneurship, where innovative musicians from around the world launch collaborative projects designed to make a positive impact on local and global communities. The OneBeat 2017 program will take place from Sep 20 – Oct 22, 2017 in the United States.
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.
Program Details
OneBeat brings 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. Approximately 25 participants will be selected this year.
- 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.
Cost and 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 between 19 and 35 year old during the program dates (Sept 20 – Oct 22, 2017).
- Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with or without formal musical training.
- Eligible Countries and Territories:
- Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Panama, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovak Republic, South Africa, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Venezuela, Zimbabwe
Selection Criteria
- 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 40 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 OneBeat website-based activities.
How to Apply
Applicants should plan to write about their musical background and interests as well as future projects and goals. Applicants will be asked to submit 3-5 samples of their solo and collaborative work (both audio and video are accepted).
- Please register to start a new application.
- Please read the Frequently Asked Questions before beginning your application.
Applicants will be notified of the review panel decision by May 30, 2017.
For more information, visit OneBeat Music Exchange.
