Joe GallopKeychange, a campaign group working to encourage gender equality in the music industry, has been awarded €1 million from the EU’s Creative Europe Programme.
The funding will support the new Keychange Leaders programme, set to run from November 2024 to April 2027. The programme aims to help underrepresented artists and innovators, focusing on those who identify as women or gender-diverse, by offering training, mentoring and networking opportunities.
The Keychange Leaders programme will train 40 participants each year across major European and Canadian festivals, with support from international partners, including Reeperbahn Festival and PRS Foundation.
Additionally, BMG, the world’s fourth-largest music company, has signed the Keychange Pledge, committing to increase diversity in the music industry. BMG senior director of global corporate responsibility, Pierrot Raschdorff said, “Sustainable success can only be achieved if all genders are equally represented and valued.”
Under the leadership of Reeperbahn Festival organiser RBX GmbH, the following partners have joined forces for the project: Musikcentrum Öst (SWE), Keychange (BEL), Shiftworks/Tallinn Music Week (EST), Music Export Poland (PL), SACEM (FR), Oslo World (NO), Workshops of Culture Lublin/Different Sounds Festival (PL), and Artist in Bloom (PL). PRS Foundation (UK) will continue to provide support based on long-term experience as a founding partner.
Lea Karwoth, senior project manager for Keychange at RBX GmbH, said, “With BMG, we now count 700 Pledge Signers worldwide. This significant support enables us to further expand our commitment to a more diverse and inclusive music industry.”
Alexandra Archetti-Stølen, Keychange board member and Oslo World music festival director, said, “This funding will allow us to continue breaking down barriers and fostering an environment where underrepresented artists and innovators can thrive.”