Who is eligible to apply?

See the ELIGIBILITY page.

How do musicians apply to become OneBeat Ghana 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 July 14, 5:00 PM EDT EST.

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

Applicants must be 19 or older by the time of the program (November 6, 2023) and 35 or younger at the end of the program (November 20, 2023).

What are the eligible countries and territories?

Ghana, Nigeria, United States

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

OneBeat Ghana will be focused on musicians from Ghana, Nigeria 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 that 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 Ghana, Nigeria or the United States.

Are groups able to apply together?

OneBeat Ghana 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 Ghana 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 August 31, 2023, and will have two weeks to confirm their participation in the program.

How many artists will be selected?

Approximately 10-12 participants will be selected this year for OneBeat Ghana.

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 Ghana applicants have to come from a particular genre of music?

Musicians from any genre or background are encouraged to apply.

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: November 6 - 20, 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 Ghana?

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