Keychange Talent Leadership Programme (TLP) 2026 – Your Guide to Leading Change in the Music Industry
Are you a woman or gender-diverse professional working in the music or creative industries and passionate about making a difference? The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme (TLP) 2026 offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your leadership, build a global network, and drive meaningful change in industry practices around Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA).
Fully funded and highly competitive, the programme runs from April to September 2026 and combines online sessions with two in-person Talent Labs at major music events in Europe. With the deadline fast approaching—12 November 2025—this guide breaks down everything you need to know to apply successfully.
Why the Keychange TLP? What Makes It Unique?
This is not simply another course. The Keychange TLP is designed specifically for current or aspiring leaders in the music and creative sectors who want to drive change—not just in production or performance, but in the systems, culture, and structures of the industry.
- A global leadership experience: Two in-person labs (Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, Reeperbahn Festival in Germany) plus weekly online sessions ensure you connect globally and build long-term networks.
- DEIA-focused: The core aim is to equip you with the skills and mindset to lead initiatives in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility within the music ecosystem.
- Mentorship & project-based: You will design or develop a real initiative, supported by mentoring and peers throughout the six months.
- Fully supported participation: Travel bursaries, childcare and accessibility support, and a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Requirements at a Glance
Before you start gathering documents, make sure you meet the key eligibility criteria:
- You identify as a woman or gender-diverse person (cis-men are not eligible) and are active in the music or creative industries.
- You are based in an eligible country: Creative Europe list plus the UK, Canada or Switzerland.
- You have significant industry experience: at least 5 years in the music industry, or 3 years in music + 2 years in creative industries.
- You have at least 1 year of experience engaging in DEIA work (e.g., projects, initiatives, research).
- You must commit to the full programme period (April to September 2026), including both in-person Talent Labs.
Programme Structure & Key Dates
The TLP is structured into a dynamic six-month leadership journey:
- Kick-off online and first Talent Lab: Tallinn Music Week, Estonia – 09-12 April 2026.
- Weekly online sessions: 24 workshop modules, approximately 2 hours per week, with an average 4 hours/week including independent work, April to September 2026.
- Final Talent Lab & wrap-up: Reeperbahn Festival, Germany – 16-19 September 2026.
Application deadline: 12 November 2025 at 5pm EST / 10pm GMT / 11pm CET.
What You Get: Benefits & Support
The programme is designed to be accessible and transformative for participants.
- Access to leadership training modules covering innovation, entrepreneurship, social change design, and DEIA strategies.
- Mentorship from established industry leaders who guide your personal project and professional growth.
- Participation in a global network of like-minded creatives committed to change.
- Travel bursaries to cover participation in the in-person Talent Labs, support for childcare or accessibility if required. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- A certificate of participation upon completion of the programme.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1 – Register on Flexigrant
Create an account via the PRS Foundation’s Flexigrant portal (used for Keychange). Confirm your email and log in to access the application form.
Step 2 – Check Eligibility & Download Guidance Documents
Read the full guidance (Eligibility, Programme Criteria, Application Content) to make sure you qualify and are prepared.
Step 3 – Complete the Application Form
You can save progress and return later. Pay close attention to: your biography, leadership/professional experience, DEIA project description, motivation for the programme, and your intended contribution to the Keychange network.
Step 4 – Submit by Deadline
Ensure all fields are completed (the submission button only appears once everything is marked ‘Complete’). Submit by 12 Nov 2025 deadline.
How to Craft an Impactful Application
To stand out, your application should:
- Show a clear professional trajectory — how your experience in music/creative industries ties into leadership and DEIA work.
- Describe a specific initiative you want to launch or scale — include how Keychange TLP will help you achieve it.
- Demonstrate your commitment to change and your readiness to engage deeply for six months.
- Highlight examples of past work in DEIA, leadership, project management or community impact.
- Use concrete evidence: number of years, roles, project outcomes, team sizes, challenges overcome.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the eligibility checklist and applying despite being ineligible (e.g., cis-man, insufficient experience, outside eligible country list).
- Submitting vague or generic responses — you need to show your uniqueness and readiness for leadership change.
- Missing the mandatory attendance of the two Talent Labs or not being available throughout April-Sept 2026.
- Waiting until the last moment — technical issues or incomplete forms can derail your application.
- Treating the programme as passive — organisers expect active, engaged participants ready to contribute and collaborate.
Who Benefits the Most from Keychange TLP?
This programme is ideal for you if you:
- Are currently working in the music or creative industries (artist, manager, producer, festival organiser, advocacy worker).
- Identify as a woman or gender-diverse person seeking leadership growth.
- Have experience in DEIA or want to lead DEIA initiatives.
- Are based in an eligible country (Creative Europe list, UK, Canada, Switzerland).
- Are ready to commit ~4 hours/week between April-Sept 2026 plus two in-person Talent Labs.
Timeline You Should Remember
- 30 September 2025: Applications open.
- 5 November 2025: Last date to request accessibility or neuro-diversity adjustments.
- 12 November 2025: Application deadline.
- March 2026: Online kick-off session.
- 9–12 April 2026: Talent Lab at Tallinn Music Week (Estonia).
- April – September 2026: Weekly online sessions & independent project work.
- 16–19 September 2026: Talent Lab at Reeperbahn Festival (Germany) – wrap-up.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need to pay fees to join the Keychange TLP?
No. The programme is fully funded for selected participants, including travel bursaries and support for accessibility or childcare where applicable.
Can I apply if I live outside Europe, the UK, Canada or Switzerland?
No — you must be based in a country eligible under the Creative Europe list, or the UK, Canada or Switzerland. Check the full list in the guidance document.
I have less than 5 years in the music industry. Can I still apply?
Possibly. They will consider candidates with 3 years in music + 2 years in creative industries. Provide details of your combined experience clearly.
Are artists eligible or only managers/producers?
Yes, artists are eligible (including creatives, entrepreneurs, musicians) as long as you meet other criteria around experience and commitment.
What happens after the programme? Will I get a certification or job?
Participants receive a certificate of participation. The programme also connects you to a wide network and offers mentoring — career outcomes depend on how you leverage the experience.
Can I apply if I’ve been in a previous Keychange cohort?
Usually no — previous participants of core Keychange cohorts are ineligible. Exceptions may apply; contact the team before 5 November 2025 if this applies to you.
Final Thoughts — Ready to Lead Change?
If you’re ready to take your career in the music or creative industries to the next level and want to be part of a global change-making community, the Keychange Talent Leadership Programme 2026 could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. It’s not just about attending workshops—it’s about stepping up, leading with purpose and impacting the industry for the better.
Take the time now to review the guidance documents, gather your supporting material, map out your project idea and mark your calendar for the deadline. This is your chance to join a cohort of passionate women and gender-diverse professionals from across the world, all committed to transforming the music industry together.
Official application link: Keychange Talent Leadership Programme (TLP) 2026 – Apply Here
