Voice & Communication
Initiative
One Nation Under a Groove
Global Music & Arts Cultural Exchange.
Overview
What this is for.
One Nation Under a Groove is a global cultural exchange initiative that connects students through music, arts, and creative expression across cities, states, and countries. Inspired by the universal language of music, this initiative fosters cross-cultural collaboration, understanding, and shared creative experiences.
Through virtual and in-person exchanges, students engage with diverse cultures, styles, and perspectives, building global awareness while celebrating creativity as a unifying force.
Strategy
What Music to the Ears actually does.
Connect creative programs across cities into one working network
Run exchanges so students meet peers, mentors, and industries elsewhere
Share curriculum, practitioners, and implementation know-how between partners
Build cultural collaborations that produce work, not just meetings
How students benefit
- Exposure to global music, arts, and cultural traditions
- Opportunities to collaborate with students and artists worldwide
- Development of cultural competency and global perspective
- Participation in international showcases, exchanges, and creative projects
Culture + Global Connection Initiative
“Using music and arts as a universal language to connect students across the world.”
Visit One Nation Under a Groove (opens in a new tab)Partner types
- Cities and counties
- Arts and culture organizations
- School districts
- Industry partners
- Higher education
Communities
- Multiple cities
- Cultural districts
- School networks
What we aim to produce
- Students with relationships and audiences beyond their own city
- Educators sharing a working practice rather than reinventing it
- A network that carries opportunity between communities
These are the initiative’s stated aims. Published outcomes appear in the related stories below as they are documented.
Funding alignment
Where the funding fits.
Public funding sources this initiative aligns with. Schools and districts should confirm eligibility with their own funding office.
- Prop 28 (Arts & Music in Schools): cultural arts programming
- Title IV, Part A: well-rounded education (arts and global learning)
- NEA (National Endowment for the Arts): arts education and cultural exchange
- California Arts Council Grants: cultural programming and access
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC): enrichment and global learning
- International Cultural Exchange Grants (State Dept / NGOs)
- Private Foundations (Ford, Gates, etc.): global equity, cultural understanding
Programs inside it
What runs on the ground.
Related stories
Where you can see it.
Impact Story
Destination Crenshaw
Bringing music education, DJ culture, and creative learning into a landmark celebration of community and culture.
Read the story
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Partner on this initiative
Join One Nation Under a Groove.
Initiatives grow by adding partners with something specific to contribute: a workplace, a technology, a community, or funding.