Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026

About the Open Call

The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme is a six-month interactive training programme designed to prepare individuals as DEIA change leaders in the music industry. It begins at Tallinn Music Week (Estonia) in April 2026 and concludes at the Reeperbahn Festival (Germany) in September 2026, with an online kick-off meeting in March 2026. Participants are required to commit to mandatory attendance at two in-person events: Talent Lab at Tallinn Music Week (09-12/04/2026) and Talent Lab at Reeperbahn Festival (16-19/09/2026), along with 24 online sessions, 2 hours per week, from April to September 2026. An estimated average time commitment is 4 hours of work a week (live sessions + independent work). The programme is designed to accommodate neurodivergence, accessibility needs, and diverse learning styles. Participants must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the music industries (or an accumulative 3 years in music and 2 years in creative industries) and over 1 year of experience in DEIA. Keychange alumni are generally not eligible to apply, with some exceptions (Keychange Canada and Keychange Gender Diversity In Radio alumni may apply). Applicants must be based in one of the Creative Europe countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Switzerland. Visa application support letters can be provided.

What is Offered

As a participant in the Talent Leadership Programme (TLP), you’ll gain: knowledge and tools in leadership, innovation, and driving social change with a focus on DEIA; hands-on experience by developing your own initiative or contributing to impactful projects; personalised mentorship from an experienced leader; and a supportive network. Each participant will receive a baseline travel bursary. Extra funds are allocated to participants based in Canada (to cover additional travel costs), participants with childcare needs, and participants with accessibility needs. Green top-ups are available for eco-friendly travel.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years experience in the music industries (or an accumulative 3 years in music and 2 years in the creative industries). Over 1 year of experience in the field of DEIA (Diversity Equity Inclusivity and Accessibility). Not a Keychange alumni (exceptions may apply for Keychange Canada and Keychange Gender Diversity In Radio alumni). Must be based in one of the Creative Europe countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, or Switzerland. Visa application support can be provided.

How to Apply

Download the Application Guidance and Criteria document (pdf or word), download the Application Content document (pdf or word), read the Step-by-Step Guide (pdf or word), and create a Flexigrant Account to fill in the application. The deadline for applications is November 12, 2025, 5pm ET/10 pm GMT/11pm CET. For accessibility requirements or further questions, contact applications@keychange.eu by November 5, 2025.