FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Have you experienced barriers because of your gender? Do you need to build your confidence and network? Our 2025 Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program aims to support women and gender expansive artists and innovators with career development, mentorship, community building, virtual professional development sessions with industry experts, in person meetups, and showcase or speaking opportunities at partner events.
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Each selected participant will receive a travel allowance “Stipend” so they can attend our opening meetup launch event in Nov 2025, our final meetup in March 2026, and perform at one festival or speak or mentor at one conference (with ticket accreditation). Participants will also take part in an exclusive mentorship program and virtual professional development sessions for career-building and educational training. In addition, Participants will have access to an inspiring community of Keychange U.S. participants who are part of the program. The more you put into the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program, the more you get from it! As well as being part of our global movement for gender equality and diversity in the music industry in partnership with various partners, sponsors, signatories, and ambassadors.
We allocate extra funds to participants with childcare needs, and to those with access needs.
NOTE: Selected Participants only receive a travel allowance (60% upfront / 40% later) along with other benefits. Participants are expected to purchase all travel tickets and lodging for the entire program within one week of receiving the funds and email the KCUS team copies of your reservations. Detailed instructions and more information will be provided when you receive the welcome letter.
Overview:
A Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program virtual group welcome session
Two full network in person meetups
An opportunity to perform at one festival or showcase or speak or mentor at one conference, including accreditation/festival ticket
Mentorship Program
Virtual Professional Development Sessions led by industry experts
Promotion via Keychange U.S. social media channels
Access to an exclusive networking/chat for Keychange U.S. participants
Global pandemic permitting, if you are unable to travel, we will provide suitable online/virtual alternatives
Please note: Most costs will be covered by Keychange U.S., however, some financial participation may be required on your part, especially if you plan to bring band members to a selected performance showcase.
If you are applying as an Artist, you are the official “Participant” of the Talent Development Program. If you are a part of a band, you may bring up to three band members to accompany you onstage at your official showcase/festival performance. A band can consist of a maximum of four persons, including you as the Artist Participant in the TDP. Keychange U.S. may provide accommodation for the selected TDP Participant plus additional band members (TBD). You will be responsible for any additional needs or accommodations for all band members.
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An artist is a performer who writes and performs their own music, including, singers, songwriters, musicians or DJs.
An ‘innovator is anyone who does not perform their own music, and is a music industry professional, including entrepreneurs, producers, engineers, A&R executives, music managers, lawyers, community organizers, music technology professionals, etc.
Note: A songwriter or DJ who does not perform their own original music may apply as an innovator.
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We are looking for innovative, emerging artists, with a distinctive sound and original talent that would contribute to the breadth and excellence of the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program.
Artists who have a strong following in their local city with the potential to grow, have established the beginnings of a professional support team working with them, and the ability to perform their own music and participate in the showcasing element of this project.
Candidates who demonstrate the ability to write their own music will receive preference.
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We are looking for Innovators and professionals who are pushing the boundaries of the music industry and demonstrating interest in new business models and innovative ways of working.
Innovators who have a growing track record, with at least four years of experience working in music whether from within the industry or another creative sector (tech, audiovisual, design) that intersects with music, are able to demonstrate their commitment to supporting emerging artists from all backgrounds, and have an interest in enabling talented women and gender expansive individuals to flourish and influence positive change across the music industry.
You could be an A&R executive, manager, producer, engineer, marketing specialist, sync licensing, community leader, music lawyer or an inventor of a music product or service, etc. Innovators will need to explain in their application how their experience will ensure that they can make the most of the opportunity.
We encourage applications from DIY and independent innovators.
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No, you cannot apply as both an Artist and an Innovator, so if you are unsure please contact: info@keychangeus.com
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Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program is free of charge for the selected participants.
There is no cost to apply either.
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The program will run for 6 months. Participants will be required to take part in a full network group meetup in November 2025 when we launch the program, and in March 2026 when we conclude the program. Both meetups will last around 2-3 days.
Participants will be required to perform at one festival or showcase or speak or mentor at one conference (approx. 2 days)
Participants will take part in our virtual professional development sessions on various music topics led by industry experts (1 hour each month).
Participants will be matched with a mentor and the Mentorship Program will take place online with a weekly to monthly commitment (estimated 5 hours of sessions over a 3 to 5 month term).
The estimated time commitment of the Talent Development Program is 8 days in person and about 25 hours of online virtual sessions (TBD).
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The Open Call for the 2025 TDP opens on Friday, June 20, 2025 and closes on Thursday, July 31, 2025. During that time you can apply on our Website via our Google Form Application.
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In the KEYCHANGE U.S. TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION you will be asked for the following:
Your contact information
Decide whether to apply as an Artist or an Innovator
A short biography
An short outline of your achievements and career to date
To confirm whether this is the right time in your career to be a part of the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program
How you will make the most of the opportunity to develop their creative and business goals during and after the project
Establish how you will contribute to and benefit from the Keychange U.S. network
Gather voluntary information to monitor the breadth and diversity of applicants
All participants will need to:
Be able to demonstrate why participating in the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program would have a transformative impact at this stage of your career,
Be able to demonstrate your need for financial support, and what you would get out of the network.
Confirm your availability for participating in program (2024)
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Please note: If selected, you will be notifiedon the status of your application for the Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program by Friday, August 15, 2025. Participants who accept must submit the required grantcriteria, confirm their full program availability, submit their signed contract and acceptance by email,no later thanTuesday, August 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (midnight) in order to be considered on time. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in an automatic disqualification, with no exceptions.
By submitting this application, you agree to these terms. Terms and Conditions are subject to change by Keychange U.S. Thank you for your cooperation and good luck.
Friday, June 20, 2025: Application period opens
Thursday, July 31, 2025: Application period closes
Friday, August 1, 2025 - Thursday, Aug 14, 2025: Internal Jury Review Process
Friday, August 15, 2025: Participant Invitation emails are sent out including a draft contract and list of required participation dates and terms
Tuesday, August 19 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time (midnight): Deadline for selected applicants to accept participation, confirm availability, sign the contract, and fill out required grant criteria and Intake Form (access needs, band members, etc.)
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - Friday, August 22, 2025: If needed, alternate participant(s) will be contacted with an invitation to participate
Friday, August 22, 2025: Final Deadline for alternate applicant(s) to accept participation, confirm availability, sign the contract, and fill out required grant criteria and Intake Form (access needs, band members, etc.)
Early September 2025: Travel Stipend/Bursaries will be sent out to selected cohort (TBD, this date may change)
Wednesday, September 3, 2025: Declined applicants will receive notification and thanks for applying
Monday, September 15, 2025: Keychange U.S. Publicly Announces Final Cohort
Wednesday, October 1, 2025: First Virtual onboarding Zoom with Cohort
Early November 2025: Opening Meetup/Launch Event in Los Angeles (TBD)
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Keychange U.S. and the partners in your city will review and access your applications based on the quality of your work, your application, and if they think now is the right time for you to be involved in the program.
Applications are scored and a shortlist of applicants are taken through to the live decision panel. Our festival and conference partners and team then select the applications that they would like to come along to their festival and join the program.
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