OneBeat (music program)

OneBeat is an international music exchange program initiated by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and produced by Found Sound. It brings together musicians from around the world for a month-long residency in the United States to collaboratively write, produce, and perform original music, and develop strategies for arts-based social engagement.

The program emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration, technological innovation in music production, and the role of music as a tool for diplomacy and positive social change. Participants, selected through a competitive application process, represent a diverse range of musical styles, cultural backgrounds, and social concerns.

During the residency, OneBeat participants work in ensembles to create new musical works reflecting their shared experiences and perspectives. They also engage in workshops, lectures, and community outreach activities, exploring topics such as music technology, creative entrepreneurship, and social justice. The program culminates in a series of public performances and workshops across the United States.

OneBeat aims to foster a global network of socially engaged musicians who can use their art to address issues facing their communities and the world at large. Alumni of the program continue to collaborate and create projects that promote intercultural understanding and positive social impact. The program underscores the power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, and to inspire action on important social issues.