The application deadline has been extended to April 10, 2023 5:00 PM EDT

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DEADLINE Applications are due by April 10, 2023 5:00 PM EDT.

NOTIFICATION Applicants will be notified of the review panel decision by May 31, 2023.

PROGRAM OneBeat Borneo will take place August 14, 2023 - August 28, 2023.

CONTACT If you have questions please contact [Please enable javascript to see the email address]

FAQ Title

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 April 10, 2023 5:00 PM EDT EST.

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

Applicants must be 19 or older by the time of the program (March 6, 2023) and 35 or younger at the end of the program (August 1, 2023).

What are the eligible countries and territories?

Indonesia, Malaysia, United States

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

OneBeat Borneo will be focused on musicians from Indonesia, Malaysia and the United States. Eligible countries are determined by the US Department of State, 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 Indonesia, Malaysia or the United States.

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 2 U.S. musicians as OneBeat Borneo 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 May 31, 2023, and will have two weeks to confirm their participation in the program.

How many artists will be selected?

Approximately 12 participants will be selected this year for OneBeat Borneo.

Will artists be chosen from every eligible country and territory?

Yes, we anticipate selecting Fellows from all 3 eligible countries.

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.

Can I participate in only part of the program?

No, OneBeat Fellows must commit to participating in the entire program:
August 14, 2023 - August 28, 2023.

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.

Are alumni from past OneBeat programs eligible to apply to OneBeat Borneo?

U.S.-based alumni from OneBeat Virtual and U.S. programs may apply for OneBeat Borneo. Unfortunately, previous Abroad alumni or alumni from Indonesia or Malaysia are not eligible to apply.

OneBeat Borneo is a cultural diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs produced by Bang on a Can’s Found Sound Nation.