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Opportunities in the Arts and Culture
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Overview

U.S. Embassy Saudi Arabia offers many different programs and exchange opportunities in culture and the arts. 
 

If you have any questions about the exchange programs below, please contact:  

  • U.S. Embassy Riyadh Cultural Affairs Office: 011-835-4000 ext. 4778 
  • U.S. Consulate Jeddah Cultural Affairs Office: 012-220-5000 ext. 3095   
  • U.S. Consulate Dhahran Cultural Affairs Office: 013-839-5700 ext. 25850 / 25802

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Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI)

The Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI) is an innovative professional exchange program produced at the USC School of Cinematic Arts.  MEMI seeks to support the current generation of Arab TV screenwriters and content creators in telling stories that entertain and engage audiences around local issues. 

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Global Media Makers

Global Media makers logoLaunched in 2016, Global Media Makers is a residency and cultural exchange program that connects international filmmakers with leading U.S. entertainment professionals. Global Media Makers is supported through a partnership between Film Independent and The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. Since its launch, Global Media Makers has grown into a global filmmaking network, connecting visual storytellers from around the world with leading U.S. entertainment professionals through specially tailored mentorships, workshops and master classes.  

The Global Media Makers LA Residency, is a six-week program composed of two parts: one virtual week and five-weeks in person in Los Angeles. Fellows are selected with a project in development that focuses on local issues of importance in their country or region. They participate in filmmaking tracks focused on screenwriting, directing, creative producing or documentary filmmaking where they develop their current projects. The Fellows also attend master classes, learn about best practices for American filmmaking and participate in electives to learn new filmmaking technology. Mentorship continues remotely through the remainder of the year via video call sessions. 

 

Timeline: The application period usually is from August – October, with finalists selected for interview in January.
 

Website: www.filmindependent.org/programs/global-media-makers  

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International Writing Program (IWP)

The University of Iowa’s IWP Fall Residency Program for International Writers connects emerging and mid-career creative writers from around the world.  Participants participate in seminars, readings, panels, and cultural activities with American and global writers. They also travel to experience the diversity of literary communities in the United States. 

Timeline: Applications are usually accepted between January –March, with the program dates held in September and November.  

Website: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/iwp 

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OneBeat

OneBeat is an international music exchange that celebrates musical collaboration and social engagement. Musicians between the ages of 19 and 35 from around the world gather in the United States for four weeks to write, produce, and perform original music. OneBeat balances three principles: dialogue, creation, and social engagement to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among the world’s citizens. 

TIMELINE: Applications are usually accepted between August–September, with the program dates held in April and May.  

WEBSITE: https://1beat.org/ 

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