OneBeat is the premier multinational music exchange program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. OneBeat is accepting applications for a month-long U.S.-based music exchange scheduled for the spring of 2025, which will convene 25 musicians from up to 54 eligible countries and territories:

Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mali, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

ELIGIBILITY:

Age: Applicants must be 19 or older by the start of the program (April, 2025) and 35 or younger at the end of the program (May, 2025).

interests,Audio/Video Application Materials: 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).

Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with or without formal musical training. We 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.

BENEFIT:

Collaboration is central. OneBeat offers musicians the opportunity to collaborate on new projects and to explore new musical traditions. Rather than showcasing solo talent, OneBeat musicians will work together across stylistic and cultural divides in pursuit of new musical possibilities.

OneBeat is socially engaged. We are looking for musicians who have a strong commitment to their communities and who are seeking new ways to engage in youth development, music education, music therapy, conflict resolution, a global dialogue through music, and other ways of working towards more egalitarian and democratic societies.

OneBeat is a FREE program (but not a paid gig). The OneBeat program covers all Fellows’ travel, transportation, food, and lodging. We also offer a modest stipend. While we are not able to pay performance fees, OneBeat offers Fellows a chance to create new material, establish lifelong musical partnerships and friendships, learn new marketable skills, tour the US, and develop professional connections.