US State Department’s American Music Abroad Seeking Applicants
The American Music Abroad program is designed to communicate America’s rich musical contributions to the global music scene as it fosters cross-cultural communication and people-to-people connection to global audiences. Past Texas music participants include Houston's Dr. Chelsey Green (Green is also a former Texas Music Office fellowship intern), and Austin-based latin pop artist, Gina Chavez.
Any characteristically American musical genres are welcome to apply in genres including but not limited to: Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Folk, Latin, Native American, Gospel, Hip Hop/Urban, Indie Rock, Jazz, Punk, R&B and Zydeco.
In cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, American Voices will arrange a series of two-week long, multi-country cultural exchange programs including public concerts, interactive performances with local traditional musicians, lecture demonstrations, workshops, jam sessions and media interviews and performances. These tours will focus on younger and underserved audiences in over 40 countries around the world with little or no access to live American musical performances. American Music Abroad ensembles are currently expected to travel in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and Eastern Europe.
Prior to the respective tours, each ensemble will partake in an American Music Abroad at Home program in Washington, D.C., which includes performances and workshops at schools in underserved communities, immigrant community centers and foreign embassies.