Next Level is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Meridian International Center. Its mission is to use Hip Hop music, dance, and art to foster cross-cultural creative exchange in diverse communities. It promotes understanding and conflict transformation in these audiences and supports the professional development of artists in those communities. Applicants must be outstanding artists in one or more of the MCing, Beatmaking, DJing, Hip Hop dance, Writing/Aerosol art, Beatboxing, or Filmmaking/Videography, and Experienced Hip Hop teachers. This is a program with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Meridian.