Deadline: November 12, 2025
Are you a woman or gender-diverse leader ready to create lasting change in the global music industry? The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026 is now open for applications! This transformative six-month programme equips emerging and established leaders with the tools, mindset, and community to drive diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in music and the wider creative ecosystem.
About the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026
The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026 is an intensive six-month leadership journey designed to empower women and gender-diverse individuals who are shaping the future of the music industry. It provides participants with the skills, network, and mentorship to become impactful change-makers and advocates for equity and inclusion.
The programme begins with an online introduction in March 2026, followed by two major in-person events:
- Opening Event: Tallinn Music Week, Estonia (9–12 April 2026)
- Closing Event: Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg, Germany (16–19 September 2026)
Between April and September 2026, participants will engage in:
- 24 live sessions (approx. 2 hours each) — held weekly, with every fourth week designated as a “free week” with no live sessions.
- An average of 4 hours of engagement per week, including live sessions, mentorship, and independent work.
What You Will Gain
By the end of the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026, participants will:
- Develop a deep understanding of leadership, innovation, and social change, with DEIA principles at the heart of their approach.
- Design and implement a practical project or initiative to apply their learning within their professional or community context.
- Receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced leaders and industry experts.
- Join a supportive peer network of fellow changemakers, facilitators, and experts across the global music scene.
- Build confidence and capacity to lead transformation within the creative industries.
Who Can Apply
This opportunity is open to women and gender-diverse individuals working within or transitioning into the music industry.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be based in one of the Creative Europe countries, or in the UK, Canada, or Switzerland.
- Must have at least 5 years of experience in the music industry, or a combination of:
- ~3 years in the music industry, and
- ~2 years in the broader creative industries.
- Must also have at least 1 year of experience in DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility) work.
Commitment:
Selected participants must commit to attending the full six-month programme, including online sessions and the two in-person events in Estonia and Germany.
Programme Timeline
| Phase | Dates |
|---|---|
| Online Kick-off | March 2026 |
| Opening Event – Tallinn Music Week, Estonia | 9–12 April 2026 |
| Weekly Sessions (Live + Independent Work) | April–September 2026 |
| Closing Event – Reeperbahn Festival, Hamburg | 16–19 September 2026 |
Why You Should Apply
If you are passionate about driving change and creating a fairer, more inclusive music industry, this programme offers a rare opportunity to grow your leadership capacity, gain visibility, and connect with an influential global network.
Through personalised mentorship and structured learning, participants will refine their leadership style, amplify their voice, and gain the tools needed to lead impactful initiatives that promote equity in music and creative spaces.
Application Details
- Deadline: 12 November 2025
- Application Format: Applicants are encouraged to review the detailed Step-by-Step Application Guide (available in PDF and Word formats) before applying.
- Duration: Six months (March–September 2026)
- Location: Hybrid (Online + In-person in Estonia & Germany)
Important Note for Applicants Outside Eligible Regions
Applicants from outside the Creative Europe countries, UK, Canada, or Switzerland (for example, Nigeria or other African countries) may not be eligible for this specific programme. However, individuals with dual eligibility (residency in eligible countries) are encouraged to apply.
If you do not qualify geographically, consider exploring similar leadership or music-industry programmes that welcome applicants from Africa or other regions.
How to Apply
Ready to take your leadership to the next level?
👉 Click here to apply for the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026
👉 Read more about the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026
Need help preparing your proposal or refining your application?
✉️ Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
