U.S. Embassy New Delhi Rock/Metal Diplomacy Grant

The U.S. Embassy New Delhi is requesting proposals for a program that would bring American rock/heavy metal artists to India in 2020/2021. Traditionally, the Embassy celebrated and strengthened the cultural connection between India and the United States through the medium of jazz music. But America has a lot more to offer in terms of alternative genres of music that tie our shared values of freedom of speech and expression together. The recipient will include at least one American musician/group or production company of American, Indian, or mixed composition, with an emphasis on promoting our shared values with India on freedom of speech and expression.

The proposal should also include a workshop component that would make the work and the cultural dialogue accessible to young Indians and those unfamiliar with American rock and metal music. Special consideration would be given to proposals that would 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.  

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 the Embassy’s. The U.S. Mission will work with the program partner, local partners, and with other appropriate institutions to identify the priority 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 in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

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

The U.S. Embassy New Delhi is requesting proposals for a program that would bring American rock/heavy metal artists to India in 2020/2021. Traditionally, the Embassy celebrated and strengthened the cultural connection between India and the United States through the medium of jazz music. But America has a lot more to offer in terms of alternative genres of music that tie our shared values of freedom of speech and expression together. The recipient will include at least one American musician/group or production company of American, Indian, or mixed composition, with an emphasis on promoting our shared values with India on freedom of speech and expression.

The proposal should also include a workshop component that would make the work and the cultural dialogue accessible to young Indians and those unfamiliar with American rock and metal music. Special consideration would be given to proposals that would 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.  

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 the Embassy’s. The U.S. Mission will work with the program partner, local partners, and with other appropriate institutions to identify the priority 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 in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

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