Applications Open Now for Women and Gender-Diverse Pioneers Ready to Lead the Next Chapter in the Music Industry

Keychange, a groundbreaking movement committed to achieving gender equality and empowering underrepresented voices in the music industry, is thrilled to announce an open call for applications for its upcoming Talent Leadership Programme. This exceptional opportunity invites forward-thinking women and gender-diverse individuals to apply and join an international cohort of industry trailblazers, creators, and visionaries dedicated to driving transformative change.

The Keychange Leaders Talent Leadership Programme (TLP) is a six-month training programme aimed at women and gender-diverse individuals who want to become leaders and agents of change, driving actions towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable music industry.

Drawing from the past experiences of over 300 Keychange alumni, partners, and collaborators, we developed talents who taught us a great deal about Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity and Accessibility (DEIA). These learnings are captured in our Keychange Manifesto 2.0 and one key learning the Keychange participants called for is the urgent need for more leaders in the industry who not only understand the issues but also have the power to enact meaningful change.

Based on that we have created a programme focused on educating a new generation of passionate, inspiring, and empathetic leaders who will be professionally prepared to develop, create and implement innovative projects raising awareness of DEIA in the music industry.

The programme - which is open to those based in any European country which participates in the Creative Europe programme, plus those based in the UK and Canada - aims to equip participants with key skills essential for creating, implementing, and leading initiatives that support DEIA, within their communities and across local, national and international music markets.

Starting with a talent lab at Tallinn Music Week in April 2025, the programme focuses on leadership, social change design, entrepreneurship, innovation, and DEIA best practices developed by Keychange experts, partners, and community members. Participants will access a bespoke and in-depth online programme for the next six months, before the programme's final talent lab which will take place during the Reeperbahn Festival in September 2025.

The TLP is an intense, ambitious, and innovative programme for future leaders, agents, and advocates of change. The training consists of various complementary developmental activities that balance theory and practice effectively, including workshops, meetings with practitioners, and group meet-ups. Additionally, the programme is enhanced by individual mentoring sessions.

Who Should Apply: Keychange is looking for ambitious music industry professionals who are ready to make a substantial impact. Whether you are an manager, artist, producer, promoter, researcher, a policy advocate or any other type of music professional or music creator, Keychange encourages individuals from all backgrounds and regions to bring their unique perspectives to this transformative programme.

The key is the ambition to create, implement, and lead in a professional and knowledgeable manner with collaborative projects that address issues of discrimination and exclusion, transforming environments from small communities to the global music ecosystem.

How to Apply: Interested applicants can find more information and submit their application via the Keychange's Website. The application deadline is 5pm EST/ 10 pm GMT/ 11pm CET on Monday 13th January 2025. Candidates will be evaluated based on their experience, vision for change, and potential impact on the music ecosystem. Shortlisted participants will be contacted for interviews in February with decisions announced in March 2025.

Why Apply?

·      Advanced, innovative and transformative leadership training for free withunique experts in their fields.

·      Build a unique network of talented knowledgeable professionals and masterminds of other leaders supporting each other

·      Participate in two remarkable music industry events (Tallinn Music Week / Reeperbahn Festival)

Join the Keychange network of 300+ alumni and 700+ pledge signatories internationally – a global movement dedicated to diversity, equity, and change Since its inception, Keychange has empowered hundreds of artists and professionals, inspiring meaningful shifts toward gender equality and diversity in music. The Keychange Leaders programme is the latest milestone in this journey, designed to amplify the voices of new leaders who are eager to drive positive, sustainable change across the industry.