What’s in it for you?

– Step into leadership in the music industry
– Meet and collaborate with inspiring artists
– Leave your mark — and help shape the future of music

What does joining the programme entail?

The Talent Leadership Programme is the first Keychange capacity-building initiative to fully  implement an innovative learning scheme with an ambitious curriculum and a transformative, carefully crafted learning journey. The programme is developed and facilitated by Keychange partner Artist in Bloom, in collaboration with other Keychange Leaders Partners.”
Magda Chołyst, Talent Leadership Programme Manager

The Talent Leadership Programme is a hands-on, six-month training experience that gives participants the tools, knowledge, and support to drive change in their organisations, communities, and beyond. Each year, 43 participants from Europe and Canada come together to explore leadership, social change, entrepreneurship, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) principles while building a vibrant network of like-minded peers.

Keychange gave me access to leadership training I wouldn’t have otherwise received, opening my eyes to the many dimensions of what it takes to be a truly inclusive and impactful leader. The programme created space to reflect, grow and learn alongside an inspiring cohort, while building connections with incredible organisers and peers across the music industry. It’s an empowering experience I would encourage anyone with leadership ambitions to take part in.”
Karma Bertelsen, Keychange Leaders TLP 2025 Participant

Programme Highlights

Format: 24 online sessions and 2 in-person events. 
Curriculum: Connecting with 43 aspiring professionals and artists based in Europe and Canada.
Interactive workshops, mentorship, and team-based projects designed to implement DEIA. 
Impact: Participants develop real-world projects to make the music industry more inclusive and equitable.

Network Meetings

Kick-off at Tallinn Music Week, Estonia, April 9–12, 2026. 
Wrap-up at Reeperbahn Festival, Germany, September 16–19, 2026. 

Who can apply?

Women and gender-diverse people (note: cisgender men are not eligible). 
You need to be based in Poland or other Creative Europe country, the UK, Switzerland, or Canada 
Experience: At least 5 years in the music industry — or 3 years in music plus 2 years in other creative industries.
DEIA involvement: Minimum of 1 year of activity related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Commitment: Be ready to take part in both in-person Talent Labs (Tallinn Music Week in April 2026 + Reeperbahn Festival in September 2026)  and complete the 6-month programme with around 2 hours of online sessions per week (April–September 2026). 

How to apply?

The deadline to apply is 23 November, 11/00 p.m. (CET). Find the form here:
https://www.keychange.eu/apply-to-keychange-2026)

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 eager to drive positive, sustainable change across the industry.

What is  Keychange?

Keychange is a pioneering international initiative that transforms music’s future by encouraging festivals and music organisations to include at least 50% women and gender-diverse individuals in their programming, staffing and beyond. Keychange aims to accelerate change and build a better, more inclusive music industry for present and future generations.

About Keychange Talent Development

The Keychange Talent Leadership Program is part of the broader Keychange movement, funded by the European Union and industry partners, and committed to building a fairer, more inclusive music industry.

In 2026 Keychange Leaders will be supporting a further 43 participants based in 25 countries and by 2027, 84 participants will have been trained through the Talent Leadership Program, contributing to a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable music ecosystem.

Over 300 exceptional women and gender-diverse artists and industry professionals have been empowered through Keychange talent development programmes so far, covering 13 countries in Europe, Canada and the U.S., and Keychange Leaders is supporting a further 42 participants based in 25 countries.

Keychange Leaders partners are: Reeperbahn Festival/RBX, Shiftworks/Tallinn Music Week, Musikcentrum Öst, Keychange (ASBL), Music Export Poland, SACEM, Oslo World, Workshops of Culture Lublin/Different Sounds Festival, Artist in Bloom, PRS Foundation, FACTOR, SOCAN Foundation, STIM, Arts Council of Sweden, GEMA, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia, and Talent Norge. Funded by the European Union – Creative Europe programme

Read more: https://www.keychange.eu/