Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy New Delhi: Enhancing U.S.-India Relations with Jazz

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi (PAS New Delhi) seeks proposals for a project entitled “Strengthening U.S.-India Relations through Jazz.” Through this program, the Embassy seeks to celebrate and strengthen the cultural connection between India and the United States through the medium of jazz music.  The recipient should be an ensemble and  include at least one American musician, with an emphasis on American jazz music that includes traditional jazz music that pays tribute to its African-American roots.

The primary objective of the program will be to participate in the 2018 Delhi International Arts Festival and Jazz India Circuit’s – Goa Jazz Festival both scheduled for the first two weeks of December 2018.  The grantee must be available during the mentioned timeframe for participation in these two festivals.  

The proposal should also include a workshop component that will make the work and the cultural dialogue accessible to young Indians and those unfamiliar with American jazz music.  Special consideration will be given to proposals that assist in increasing community engagement and build institution-to-institution linkages.The goal is to engage citizens and artists in social action through music productions and highlight the achievements of the arts in America, promote respect for cultural diversity and understanding, and also emphasize the role of culture in economic development and democracy building.  The recipient is encouraged to identify potential institutional partners and target audiences.   

A performance in New Delhi and a performance in Goa is the minimum requirement for the proposal, but additional performances are encouraged.  Proposals must also include three to four workshops with local musicians and interested public where performances take place.  Proposals should plan for at least ten days in India and a maximum of 14 days. 

Proposals should include, at a minimum, a proposed budget for participation in the Delhi International Art Festival and Jazz India Circuit’s Goa Jazz event and accompanying workshops in the two cities, but the proposal should also include a proposed budget for additional performances and workshops.  Other performances would range in size from small, intimate affairs with a select audience, to large scale public performances. 

The successful proposal should specify any required materials or equipment for the performances and workshops.  Potential venues for performance and workshops would be proposed by both the recipient and U.S. Mission India cultural programming staff, and the final decision will be approved by PAS New Delhi.  The U.S. Mission will work with the program partner, local partners, and with other appropriate institutions to identify the locations for this project.

Performances and workshops may be recorded, prepared for broadcast/social media dissemination through a variety of platforms at the discretion of the U.S. Embassy.  The local publicity would be done in coordination with the U.S. Embassy and/or its Consulates.

(Please refer to the full announcement available under ‘related documents tab.)