Who is eligible to apply?

See the ELIGIBILITY page.

How do musicians apply to become OneBeat Fellows?

Start your application by registering for an account.

When can musicians apply? When is the application deadline?

Applications for the program are open from February 10 - March 10 2021. Applications will close on March 10, 2021 at 11:59PM EST.

Do I have to be a certain age to apply to OneBeat?

Applicants must be ages to 19 - 35 apply.

What are the eligible countries and territories?

Albania, Algeria, Barbados, Bolivia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greenland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Russia, Senegal, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Why are certain countries not eligible for OneBeat Virtual? Will you make any exceptions?

OneBeat Virtual will be focused on musicians from the countries listed above. Eligible countries are determined by the U.S. Department of State, and unfortunately, we are not able to accept musicians from countries not on the above eligible list. However, there are other programs funded by the U.S. Department of State that you may be eligible for. For more details see: http://exchanges.state.gov/non-us.

Can I apply if I am from one of the eligible countries, but currently living in a non-eligible country?

While we are sensitive to the fact many countries have an extensive diaspora, in order to be eligible for OneBeat Virtual, applicants must be both a resident and citizen of one of the eligible countries.

Can I apply if I am currently a resident of one of the eligible countries, but am originally from elsewhere?

Unfortunately, you are eligible for OneBeat Virtual only if you are both a resident and citizen of an eligible country.

Are U.S. musicians also eligible?

Yes. We anticipate accepting a small number of U.S. musicians as OneBeat Virtual Fellows.

How many artists will be selected for OneBeat Virtual?

We will be selecting a total of 70 Fellows from the eligible countries and territories.

Are musical groups able to apply together?

OneBeat Virtual Fellows must apply individually and will be selected as individuals. However, several members of a group are welcome to apply separately.

What is the selection process? When will artists be identified?

All applications will be reviewed by a OneBeat Selection Committee made up of OneBeat staff, U.S. Department of State staff, and accomplished musicians. Selected Fellows will be notified by May 17th 2021, and will have two weeks to confirm their participation in the program.

Will artists be chosen from every eligible country and territory?

Because of the number of eligible countries and territories we will not be able to accept Fellows from every country or territory. We do intend to invite Fellows from every world region.

Do I have to be a full-time professional musician to apply?

No, we encourage advanced students and highly skilled semi-professional musicians to apply. (We understand that music isn’t always the easiest way to make a living!)

Are non-musicians who work in related fields eligible to apply?

OneBeat Virtual is only open to musicians, although we do encourage musicians to apply who also work in other fields.

Do OneBeat applicants have to play a particular genre of music?

Musicians from any genre or background are encouraged to apply. We are looking for musicians who have achieved an advanced proficiency in styles and skills such as (but not limited to): folk music, hip hop, electronic music, traditional music, jazz, experimental, classical, sound-art installations, DJing, audio engineering, etc.

Do participants need to speak English?

Participants should have a basic grasp of English in order to participate in ensembles and creative sessions.

What are the technological requirements to participate in OneBeat Virtual?

OneBeat Virtual Fellows must have access to a laptop or smart device (phone or tablet with video conferencing capability) and access to a reliable wifi connection to participate in the program.

Will OneBeat Virtual provide me with the equipment needed to participate in the residency?

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.

How does OneBeat Virtual differ from OneBeat U.S. and OneBeat Abroad programs?

OneBeat U.S. and OneBeat Abroad programs are conducted in person, while OneBeat Virtual exchanges will be conducted solely online using various virtual technologies. While the method of engagement is different between virtual exchanges and in-person programs, OneBeat Virtual will use the same collaborative music making methodologies, masterclasses, performance and conduct community engagement projects that are hallmarks of all OneBeat programs..

Who is the ideal OneBeat Virtual candidate?

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

OneBeat Virtual 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, engage in a global dialogue through music, and other ways contributing to civil society and civic discourse.

As part of the OneBeat Virtual program we ask that applicants apply with a socially engaged or community driven project. This can be in any stage of development, from an idea to a work-in-progress, to a current project. We are particularly interested in projects that address or innovate within a particular field of arts engagement or arts technology.

How will the virtual exchange be structured? What can I expect during the virtual fellowship?

The structure of the program is broken down into three parts: a 5-day opening intensive, 6-weeks of ensemble/small group work and independent work, and a 5-day closing intensive and showcase. A typical week will include 2 half-day work sessions and 1 short (60-90 min) full group meeting.

During the eight-week virtual residency, OneBeat Virtual Fellows will investigate new forms of virtual collaboration, form ensembles to write, produce, and perform genre-defying work, attend virtual masterclasses and open-studios, reimagine existing music, lead online workshops and produce a series of streamed performances and presentations for the public. Fellows will have the opportunity to pursue self-directed projects during the Fellowship. These projects should address a particular community and be focused on community engagement and participation. We encourage the development of projects that explore innovations within a particular field of arts engagement, digital media, or technology.

How long is fellowship and what is the time commitment for the online exchange?

Fellows will be expected to participate in 28 full days of online/offline exchange time over an eight-week period. Over the exchange period, Fellows will participate in approximately 18 days of synchronous (online) sessions with approximately two half-day sessions per week (3-4 hours per session), and short (60-90 min) weekly full group meetings. Fellows will also engage in 10 days of asynchronous (offline) sessions where they will be expected to work on self-directed work, fellow-to-fellow collaborations, and other exchange related engagements.

What’s the difference between the two virtual exchange periods?

In 2021, OneBeat Virtual will offer two distinct online residencies in the summer or fall: OneBeat V.1 (July 12 - September 6, 2021) and OneBeat V.2 (September 20 - November 17, 2021). Selected virtual fellows will be placed in either the OneBeat V.1 or OneBeat V.2. online residencies. Please note that while we ask that you indicate your preference, we cannot guarantee that it will be honored. If you are able, we strongly recommend that you select "Both Options" to give organizers more flexibility.

The two scheduled residency periods are: OneBeat V.1: July 12 - September 6, 2021 OneBeat V.2: September 20 - November 17, 2021

If I am selected to participate in OneBeat Virtual , will I be guaranteed my date preference?

No. Once you have been selected to participate in OneBeat Virtual , you will be assigned to either the OneBeat Virtual V.1 or OneBeat Virtual V.2 residency periods, with every effort made to accommodate the preference listed in your application.

Can I participate in only part of the program?

No, OneBeat Virtual Fellows must commit to participating in the entire 8-week residency period of the program.

What are the costs of the OneBeat Virtual program for participants?

There is no cost to Fellows for participation in the program. Fellows will also receive a per diem for online exchange sessions and a modest honorarium.

Will I receive compensation to participate in OneBeat Virtual?

OneBeat exchange programs are not paid gigs; rather international cultural exchanges supported by the U.S. Department of State. Fellows will receive a $1,500 stipend for participation in the virtual exchange. OneBeat Virtual will also provide a per diem for the scheduled synchronous (online) sessions. While we do not pay performance fees, OneBeat Virtual offers selected Fellows a chance to create new material, establish lifelong musical partnerships and friendships, learn new marketable skills, and develop professional connections.

Will there be activities for OneBeat Virtual Fellows after the program?

Yes. We encourage Fellows to be part of a vibrant and growing Found Sound Nation / OneBeat Virtual community - both online and regionally, through which Fellows continue to be able to collaborate on new works and project ideas. You will also be part of the U.S. Department International Exchange Alumni network website (www.alumni.state.gov). This exclusive online community is composed of thousands of U.S. government funded and facilitated exchange program alumni from around the world and offers unique member benefits.

Can OneBeat alumni apply for OneBeat Virtual?

Unfortunately, we will not consider applications from alumni of past OneBeat programs. We do offer OneBeat Accelerator grants and other opportunities to past Fellows.