Apply to Next Level

 

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

  • Outstanding artists in one or more of the following: MCing, Beatmaking, DJing, Hip Hop dance, Writing/Aerosol art, Beatboxing, or Filmmaking/Videography

  • Experienced Hip Hop teachers

  • Able to commit to traveling abroad for 2-3 weeks in one or more countries

  • Able to commit to attending a two-day in-person orientation in Washington, D.C.

  • U.S. citizens at least 21 years of age

  • In possession of or able to obtain a U.S. passport (green cards are not sufficient to participate)

  • 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.)

  • Committed to or interested in conflict transformation strategies and concepts

  • Committed to or interested in strategies and concepts of entrepreneurship in the arts

Selection Criteria

  • Artistic excellence and experience

  • Teaching ability/experience and communication skills

  • Potential to thrive as cultural diplomats and to use music, dance or art to promote cultural exchange and build community

 

Application Requirements

  • 1-2 page cover letter explaining your suitability for the position, relevant experience and teaching philosophy, as well as an explanation of how you would use your art to help promote cultural exchange and build community

  • Résumé (please limit your résumé to 2 pages)

  • 3 references with contact information (no recommendations should be sent at this time)

  • Links to 2-3 creative work samples (each 5 minutes or less). High quality videos of live performances preferred; audio only recordings are acceptable, but at least 1 sample should be video. Aerosol artists may submit 5 images of different artwork. Videographers must submit 3 videos (each 5 minutes or less) and may also submit up to 5 photographs.

Submission Information

Completed applications and supporting materials are due by Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.

Please read the Guide to Application and Next Level FAQs pages before submitting your final application.

Applicants can expect to be notified by end of May 2025.

If accepted, Next Level artist-educators are required to attend a 2-day in-person orientation in Washington, D.C. Orientation is scheduled for October 1-October 3, 2025 (travel days included).

Residencies will take place between winter 2025 and summer 2026. (Dates and locations TBD)

Please note: Group applications will not be considered. Next Level alumni from 7.0-11.0 cycles and those who participated in the last touring season of any sibling programs (American Music Abroad) are not eligible to apply. All past Next Level videographers are eligible if other criteria are met.