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 now, and are due by September 9, 2020 at 5:00pm EST.

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

Applicants must be between 19 - 35 during the dates of program (program is expected to run in February 2021).

What are the eligible countries and territories?

Algeria, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Tunisia, United States.

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

OneBeat 2021 will be focused on musicians from the countries listed above. Eligible countries are determined by the US Department of State and participating US Embassies, and unfortunately, we aren't able to bend the country eligibility. However, there are other programs funded by the US 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, 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 only if you are both a resident and citizen of an eligible country.

Are musical groups able to apply together?

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

Are U.S. musicians also eligible?

Yes. We anticipate accepting 5 U.S. musicians as OneBeat Sahara Fellows.

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 October 30, 2020, and will have two weeks to confirm their participation in the program.

How many artists will be selected?

Approximately 25 participants will be selected this year.

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 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 costs of the OneBeat program for participants?

All costs will be covered for OneBeat Fellows, including travel and accommodations. Fellows will also receive a per diem and a modest honorarium.

Will OneBeat help secure Visas to enter Algeria?

Fellows from some countries will require a visa to travel to Algeria. The US State Department and participating embassies will assist with the visa process.

How long will participants stay in Algeria? What will the participants do while in Algeria?

The program will be approximately three weeks in length. While in Algeria the Fellows will participate in a 12-day residency in Taghit in Souther Algeria, during which they will develop and rehearse original material. They will then go on a 6-day tour to Bechar, and Algiers, during which they will perform the music they developed and rehearsed during the residency period. Throughout the program Fellows will develop and lead creative workshops for youth and community groups.

Can I participate in only part of the program?

No, OneBeat Fellows must commit to participating in the entire program:
February 8-25, 2021.

Will there be activities for OneBeat Fellows after the program?

Yes. We encourage our Fellows to be part of a vibrant and growing Found Sound Nation / OneBeat online community, through which Fellows continue to be able to collaborate on new works and project ideas.