NEXT LEVEL APPLICATION

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Next Level is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by Meridian International Center.

Next Level is seeking American Hip Hop artist-educators to participate in an international exchange program so that participants can partner with youth in underserved communities through workshops, jam sessions, presentations, and public performances.

In 2025-2026, Next Level will take teams of Hip Hop artists to 5 countries to promote musical and cultural exchange, entrepreneurship, and conflict resolution. Each team will spend 2-3 weeks teaching and performing in the host countries. Participants receive per diem and an honorarium; travel and lodging costs are covered through the program.

Government Name *

Artist Name (if different from government name):

Phone Number *

Email address: *

City *

State/Territory *

What country do you live in? *

To which gender do you most identify? *

What are your preferred pronouns? *

To which race/ethnicity do you identify? (Please check all that resonate) *

Eligibility

Answer the following. *

	Yes	No
Are you a U.S. citizen?	Yes	No
Do you have a valid U.S. passport or can obtain one within the next 6 months?	Yes	No
Are you 21 years of age or older?	Yes	No
Have you participated in a Next Level residency since spring 2021?	Yes	No
Are you committed to or interested in conflict transformation strategies?	Yes	No
Are you committed to or interested in the intersection of the arts and entrepreneurship?	Yes	No

If you previously participated as an artist educator in Next Level cycles 1.0-6.0, but have not participated since spring 2021, you are eligible to apply again. (All past Next Level videographers are eligible if other criteria are met)

Which element do you primarily practice? (Please select only one) *

Do you have performing and teaching experience in another element of Hip Hop that you are able to represent during a Next Level residency? *

Yes

No

If yes, please specify which one? *

Please upload your resume and cover letter below:

Cover Letter *

Cover letters should be 1-2 pages and explain your suitability for and interest in the position, relevant international and/or community experience, and teaching philosophy, as well as an explanation of how you would use your art to help promote peace and cultural exchange.

Résumé *

Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. Do not submit a press kit or any promotional materials.

Short Bio

Please provide a short bio: *

0/150 words

References

Please provide 3 references below:

Reference #1 *

Email Address *

Reference #2 *

Email Address *

Reference #3 *

Email Address *

Work Samples

Please provide 3 working links to creative work samples:

URL #1

URL #2

URL #3

If your video work sample(s) is longer than five minutes, please note where you would like panelists to begin viewing (e.g. 00:05:15)

Provide all passwords or include any necessary information required to view your work sample(s), such as plug-ins or navigation paths:

Please submit one document containing 5 images of different work samples if you are an aerosol artist:

Please read the Guide to Application and FAQs carefully before submitting your application:

FAQs

Guide to Application

Have you read the Guide to Application and FAQs? *

Yes

No