US Dept of State’s OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program 2021 for Emerging Musicians

International music exchange platform OneBeat is calling on artists to apply for its 2021 virtual cross-cultural collaborative programme.

The programme is sponsored by the US State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation. It celebrates musical collaboration and social engagement. 

This year’s virtual edition is in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fellows will receive a $1 500 honorarium as well as a small subsidy for purchasing necessary audio equipment and enhanced internet connectivity tools.

• Table of Content
• About US Government
• OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program
• Aim and Benefits of OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program
• Requirements for OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About US Government

The U.S. is a country of 50 states covering a vast swath of North America, with Alaska in the northwest and Hawaii extending the nation’s presence into the Pacific Ocean. Major Atlantic Coast cities are New York, a global finance and culture center, and capital Washington, DC. Midwestern metropolis Chicago is known for influential architecture and on the west coast, Los Angeles' Hollywood is famed for filmmaking ... continue reading

OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program

Aim and Benefits of OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program

Fellows are responsible for providing their own smart device (computer, tablet, phone) with a camera in order to attend virtual meetings and activities. A small technical subsidy will be made available to Fellows based on need and on a case-by-case basis. This subsidy will go towards additional data/wifi needs should it be necessary.

Requirements for OneBeat Virtual Music Exchange Program Qualification

 OneBeat will convene 70 musicians (aged from 19 to 35) from up to 44 countries and territories in two separate virtual exchanges, which will take place as follows: 12 July to 6 September and 20 September to 17 November.

Selection Criteria: 

OneBeat is looking for applicants who excel in the following areas:

• Musical proficiency and innovation.
• 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.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

 Interested artists can apply here. Successful applicants will be notified by 21 May.

Please see the FAQ’s for more details. Applicants will be considered for both fellowship dates, but assigned to only one virtual residency once selected. Applicants may list a date preference, but preferences cannot be guaranteed.

For more detials, visit OneBeat Virtual website.