OneBeat is offering a residency and exchange program for young musician entrepreneurs. In today’s music industry, it is important for musicians to not only focus on their artistry but also develop entrepreneurial skills in order to succeed. OneBeat recognizes the need for support systems to help musicians build stronger artistic communities. OneBeat Ghana aims to bring together a group of musician leaders who are actively working towards building stronger creative economies in their region. OneBeat will also support the development of innovative ventures and socially conscious projects led by artists.
About OneBeat Ghana
OneBeat Ghana is a program organized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is produced by an organization called Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation, with support from the U.S. Embassy in Ghana and Nigeria.
The goal of OneBeat Ghana is to bring together talented young musicians from Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States. They will participate in a two-week program in Ghana, where they will exchange ideas and develop strategies to strengthen the artist communities and creative economies in the region.
The person in charge of OneBeat Ghana’s artistic direction is Poetra Asantewa, who was once a participant in the original OneBeat program. She is a poet, organizer, and founder of an arts collective called Black Girls Glow, based in Accra, Ghana.
OneBeat Ghana’s Mission
Here are some important things to know about OneBeat:
collaboration is a key aspect of the program, and it offers musicians the chance to work together on new projects. OneBeat also values social engagement and seeks musicians who are dedicated to their communities and interested in using music to address issues like youth development, music education, conflict resolution, and promoting equality and democracy in society.
Participating in OneBeat is free, but it is not a paid performance opportunity. The program is designed for individuals aged 19 or older by the start of the program (November 6, 2023), and they must be 35 or younger by the end of the program (November 20, 2023). The eligible countries for participation are Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States.
Eligibility
To be eligible for OneBeat, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: You must be between 19 and 35 years old.
- English Proficiency: You should be able to communicate and understand basic English since it will be the main language used during the OneBeat program.
- Country or Territory of Origin: You must currently reside full-time in Ghana, Nigeria, or the United States.
- Musicians from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, regardless of whether or not they have formal musical training. OneBeat welcomes musicians from various genres, such as traditional/folk, hip-hop, experimental, electronic, jazz, classical, sound design, beat-making, multimedia art, or any combination of these styles. Additionally, they also invite musicians who have other skills or roles, such as community organizers, instrument builders, writers, videographers, musicologists, educators, storytellers, dancers, shadow-puppeteers, and more.
Funding Benefit
- While the program does not pay fees, being a OneBeat Fellow provides several valuable benefits. It gives you the opportunity to create new music, form lasting musical partnerships and friendships, learn new skills that can be useful for your career, and establish professional connections.
- If you are selected as a OneBeat Fellow, the program will cover your travel expenses, transportation, food, and accommodation during the program. Additionally, you will receive a modest stipend (a small amount of money).
Requirements:
To apply,
- you need to provide audio and video materials as part of your application.
- You will be asked to write about your proposed creative projects and your musical background.
- You should also submit 3-5 samples of your previous work, which can be in audio or video format.
To apply
Click on the registration link to start a new application.
If you’ve already started, log in to continue.
Selection criteria
The selection criteria include the following factors:
- Project Proposal: Applicants are required to submit a project proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on four main factors: 1. innovation (coming up with new and creative ideas), 2. vision (having a clear and compelling vision for the project), 3. impact (the potential positive effects of the project), 4. and feasibility (the practicality and achievability of the project).
- Collaboration: Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to collaborate across cultural and musical boundaries. This involves creating original music or reinterpreting traditional music while respecting the essence of each tradition. Applicants should be open to trying new musical approaches.
- Social Engagement: OneBeat values musicians who have used music to make a difference in their communities or society at large. This can include activities like teaching music to young people, addressing social or political issues through music, revitalizing endangered musical traditions, and more.
- Musical Excellence: OneBeat seeks applicants who demonstrate a high level of skill in performance, composition, improvisation, production, and/or technology. Ideally, OneBeat musicians should be pushing the boundaries of their musical styles, lyrics, or technology within their respective musical worlds.
Program Schedule
- During the OneBeat program, fellows will engage in various activities and workshops designed to enhance their skills and foster creativity. These activities include skill shares, discussions, and creative exercises. They will also have the opportunity to attend workshops led by guest artists. Throughout the program, fellows will work on developing their project proposals.
- Musicians are encouraged to apply specific project ideas that they would like to work on during the program. By the end of the residency, fellows will be expected to create a pitch or plan for the next steps of their projects. This pitch or plan will be presented in Accra, Ghana.
Timeline
- Deadline: The deadline to submit your application is July 14, 2023, by 5:00 PM EDT. Make sure to complete and submit your application before this date.
- Notification: Applicants will receive notification regarding the review panel decision by August 31, 2023. You will be informed whether you have been selected for the program or not.
- Program: OneBeat Ghana is scheduled to take place from November 6, 2023, to November 20, 2023. This is the period when the intensive residency and exchange program will occur.
Overview
Types of opportunity: Training Program
Deadline: July 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM EDT.
Worth: Expenses for travel, transportation, food, and accommodation, stipend.
Open to: musicians
Duration: Two weeks, from November 6, 2023, to November 20, 2023.
Location: Ghana.
Organizer: OneBeat Ghana
Country: Ghana, Nigeria, and the United States.
Inquiry
For questions click FAQ
For more questions email apply@1beat.org
For more information visit OneBeat Ghana
