Bridging Cultures Through Hip-Hop | ND NOFO 20 110

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Bridging Cultures Through Hip-Hop (U.S. Embassy New Delhi)

1) What is the Bridging Cultures Through Hip-Hop grant opportunity?

Bridging Cultures Through Hip-Hop is a U.S. Embassy New Delhi (Public Affairs Section) grant opportunity that uses hip-hop as a cultural exchange tool to deepen understanding between India and the United States through music, performance, and youth culture.

2) Who is offering and administering this grant?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Embassy New Delhi (Public Affairs Section) and is administered by U.S. Mission to India.

3) What is the main purpose of the program?

The program is designed to examine both shared connections and distinct differences between India and the United States through hip-hop, while building relationships across communities and institutions that do not typically interact.

4) Why is hip-hop being used as the focus for cultural exchange?

The Embassy frames hip-hop as a global art form that began as an underground movement in New York and has expanded rapidly in India, including growing numbers of artists performing in regional and vernacular languages. The program also emphasizes hip-hop's U.S. history as a vehicle for free expression and social commentary.

5) What themes or values does the Embassy want the project to highlight?

The opportunity emphasizes showcasing American creativity and cultural vibrancy while promoting democratic values such as freedom of expression, pluralism, tolerance, and inclusion. It also aims to encourage dialogue, civic-minded conversation, and respect for cultural diversity and mutual understanding.

6) What are the core program requirements for the funded project?

The funded project is expected to recruit and bring an American hip-hop artist or group to India for a 10 to 14 day tour, reaching audiences in at least four to five Indian cities. In addition to performances, the program must include structured engagement activities with an expectation of two to three interactions per program day.

7) How long is the tour expected to be?

The American hip-hop artist or group is expected to tour India for 10 to 14 days.

8) How many cities must be included in the tour?

The tour is expected to reach audiences in at least four to five Indian cities.

9) What kinds of activities are expected besides headline performances?

Beyond headline performances, the program must include structured engagement activities such as additional performances, master classes, workshops, and similar sessions intended to make the artistic work and cultural exchange accessible to young Indians and emerging creators.

10) How frequent should the engagement activities be during the program?

The Embassy expects two to three interactions per program day (for example, workshops, master classes, or other structured engagement sessions in addition to performances).

11) Who is responsible for designing the program and handling logistics?

The applicant organization (the grantee) is responsible for full program design and logistics, including selecting the U.S. hip-hop performer or group, coordinating international and in-country travel, and arranging performances and engagement activities.

12) Who selects the American hip-hop artist or group?

The applicant organization (the grantee) selects the U.S. hip-hop performer or group. The description notes the selection should include at least one American musician or a production company of American or mixed composition.

13) What does the opportunity say about the composition of the performers or production team?

The program calls for bringing an American hip-hop artist or group to India, and indicates that the selection should include at least one American musician or a production company of American or mixed composition.

14) What types of venues are appropriate for the performances?

Performances are expected to take place at prominent cultural festivals or other suitable venues. Event formats may range from small, intimate sessions to large public performances.

15) Can the grantee propose venues and cities?

Yes. Venues may be proposed by the grantee in consultation with U.S. Mission India cultural staff.

16) Who makes the final decision on venues?

The final venue decisions rest with the Embassy.

17) How are priority locations determined?

The Mission will coordinate with the selected partner, local stakeholders, and relevant institutions to determine priority locations.

18) Is the Embassy looking for one-off concerts or deeper engagement?

The Embassy signals a clear preference for proposals that go beyond one-off shows and instead strengthen community engagement and institutional ties between India and the United States.

19) Are partnerships encouraged, and if so, what kind?

Yes. Applicants are encouraged to identify target audiences and propose partnerships with local institutions, community organizations, or cultural and educational entities to extend the program's reach and impact.

20) What should be included in the proposal budget?

Proposals must include a detailed budget covering performances and related workshops or master classes across four to five cities.

21) Should proposals address technical needs and equipment?

Yes. Strong applications are expected to spell out technical needs, materials, or equipment required to deliver performances and educational components (such as workshops and master classes).

22) Can the project be recorded or distributed online?

Yes. The opportunity notes that performances and workshops may be recorded and adapted for broadcast or social media distribution, depending on the Embassy's discretion.

23) How will publicity and media outreach be handled?

Publicity and local media outreach are to be coordinated with U.S. Embassy New Delhi, and potentially with the North India Office and U.S. Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

24) What is the funding type and identifying number for this opportunity?

This is a discretionary grant. The Funding Opportunity Number (FON) is ND NOFO 20 110.

25) What is the CFDA number listed for the program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 19.040.

26) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations with U.S. 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions within that nonprofit category).

27) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The posted award ceiling is $70,000.

28) What were the key dates listed for the opportunity?

The opportunity was created on April 3, 2020, and the original closing date was May 26, 2020.

29) Is this a single-city program or a multi-city national effort?

The description frames it as a national-level cultural diplomacy effort rather than a single-city event, with programming expected across four to five Indian cities and coordination potentially involving multiple U.S. consulates in India.

30) What audiences is the program trying to reach?

The engagement activities are intended to make the artistic work and cultural exchange accessible to young Indians and emerging creators, while also building connections across communities and institutions.