The Netherlands
From July 30-August 13, 2023, four selected artists traveled to Netherlands for a Next Level residency. Artists Kujo (Dancer), Sincerity Garcia (MC), 404Eras (Aerosol Artist), and King Khazm (Beatmaker) visited Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Heerlen for the two-week program with site manager Aysha Upchurch. The program additionally worked in conjunction with local partners Foundations Hip Hop Academy, Notorious IBE, and Hip-Hop Huis.
Next Level, a cultural diplomacy program that uses Hip Hop to create connections, is an initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Meridian International Center. The program promotes conflict transformation, entrepreneurship, and artistic and professional development among younger and underserved audiences around the world.
During the residency, a series of workshops were held on emceeing, dancing, aerosol painting, and beat-making techniques. The artists engaged in moderated panels, discussion sessions, and performances to connect with local and international audiences on topics such as arts education, conflict transformation, and entrepreneurship.
The first part of the residency began in Amsterdam, where Next Level partnered with the Foundation Hip Hop Academy to hold a series of panels and workshops. Next, the residency headed to Rotterdam for a jam session held in conjunction with Hip Hop Huis. Finally, the residency traveled to Heerlen for the Notorious IBE, one of the world’s largest Hip Hop festivals, to deliver a series of talks given by the artists and supporting staff.
Overall, Next Level Netherlands engaged with over 170 people during the residency. The program also coincided with the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, illustrating how far the art form had come. The cross-cultural nature of Hip-Hop was well represented by the artists, and the collaborations that took place allowed Next Level to expand its unique international community.
