Next Level FAQs
Application
Can I apply together with my group?
Group applications will not be considered.
If I already participated in a Next Level residency, can I apply again?
If you previously participated in Next Level cycles 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0 and have not participated in the past 5 years, you are eligible to apply again. All past Next Level videographers are eligible if other criteria are met.
When will I be notified about the status of my application?
If accepted, applicants can expect to be notified by late April/early May 2024.
What if I have technical issues when submitting my application?
For any technical issues, please contact nextlevel@meridian.org.
Is there an Orientation?
Yes. If accepted, Next Level artist-educators are required to attend a 2-day in-person orientation in Washington, D.C. Orientation is scheduled for July 31-August 2, 2024 (travel days included).
Residencies
What happens if traveling to a country for a residency is not possible due to unforeseen circumstances?
Next Level will always put artist-educators’ safety first. If necessary, programs may be postponed or conducted virtually if it is deemed unsafe to gather in person.
When will the overseas residencies take place?
Residencies will take place between late fall 2024 and summer 2025.
How long are the overseas residencies?
Residencies typically are 15-18 days, including travel days.
Will I get to choose my residency location?
Next Level will take preferences into consideration, but final assignments will depend on artist-educators’ schedule availability and programmatic needs.
Is there an honorarium?
Artist-educators receive an honorarium of $300/day, including travel days.
Are travel expenses covered?
Artist-educators receive a daily meals & incidentals per diem that is determined by the federal government and is based on the location of the residency. Flights, ground transportation, baggage, and lodging costs are covered through the program, including for the orientation in Washington, D.C. Next Level will also cover travel health insurance for the duration of the overseas residency
What travel expenses are not covered?
Artist-educators are responsible for all personal expenses such as, but not limited to, meals outside of per diem, hotel services, personal transportation outside of the program, and costs not previously approved by Next Level staff.
Does Next Level provide travel insurance?
Next Level provides travel health insurance for all participants (including travel days); however, Next Level does not provide insurance for equipment or personal items.
Am I required to attend the entire overseas residency?
Artist-educators are required to attend the entire duration of the overseas residency, barring any family or medical emergencies.
For the overseas residencies, can I arrive early or stay late?
Yes. Artist-educators can extend their stay for personal travel but will need to cover those expenses for themselves.
Are participants required to be vaccinated against COVID-19?
No, the COVID-19 vaccination is not required unless required by the host country for entry.
About Next Level
What are the core principles of Next Level?
Next Level’s mission is to build global community through hip hop art and culture. When working with communities abroad we always strive to be respectful, humble, flexible, and self-aware; we listen as much as we speak and learn as much as we teach.
Will I be asked to speak on behalf of the U.S. government?
While all artist-educators represent the United States, artists are not official representatives or employees of the U.S. government. Thus, artist-educators, first and foremost, represent themselves and their art during the overseas residencies. Artist-educators are not obligated to answer political or policy-related questions and should feel free to refer anyone with questions about U.S. government actions or policies to the U.S. Embassy staff.