Keychange: Open Call for Canadian Talents

The 2022 edition of the Keychange Talent Development Programme is launching a call-out to recruit 74 participants from around the world, including eight from Canada — four artists and four entrepreneurs. This annual program, aimed at promoting, recognizing and valuing exceptional women and minority gender artists and innovators, brings together talents from twelve European countries and Canada.

Participants will be able to attend networking meetings, receive mentorship with SheSaidSo, participate in several Creative Labs, and perform in one of 13 partner festivals/conferences.

The deadline is October 4, 2021.
Apply now

Introduced in 2017, the Keychange gender pledge aims to achieve at least 50% representation of women and gender minorities in the work of festivals, record labels, broadcasters, venues, publishers, collections societies, orchestras, and more. The pioneering global campaign brings together all sectors of the industry in a movement for change. Of the 500 signatories to the pledge, 32 are Canadian music organizations.

As a Sponsor, FACTOR has committed up to $350,000 over four years towards the work of Keychange in keeping with the mission of promoting inclusiveness in the Canadian music industry which is reflective of the diversity of Canada’s population. The SOCAN Foundation is also a sponsoring organization in Canada, alongside Keychange Partners MUTEK and Breakout West.

“There is gender disproportion in all aspects of the music industry. And it’s institutions like these (EBU Music) – established institutions – that are willing to discuss and address these very essential issues, that can bring about real change.” – Peaches, Keychange Ambassador

"Keychange has been an instrumental program in my life and career. Being able to connect with other like-minded individuals from many different countries who also want to find actionable ways to achieve gender equity within the music industry has been so influential in giving me the forward momentum I need to help make this change happen." – Rebecca Szymkow of Birthday Cake Media

About FACTOR
The Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR), is a private, not-for-profit organization whose programs provide financial support to Canadian recording artists, labels, songwriters, publishers, event producers, and distributors making investments towards their success. Whether an artist is looking to record a demo or a full-length sound recording, market an existing album, or go on tour at home or internationally, there is a purpose-built funding program. With funding and services designed to assist the spectrum of musical expressions and talent, FACTOR is committed to reflecting the diversity of the Canadian population in its programs and operations while also promoting inclusiveness within the broader Canadian music sector.

About Keychange
Keychange is a pioneering international initiative which transforms the future of music by encouraging festivals and music organizations to achieve at least 50% women and under-represented genders in their programming, staffing and beyond. 74 emerging artists and innovators each year from across Europe and Canada will take part in international festivals, showcase events, collaborations, and a program of creative labs. Keychange aims to accelerate change and create a better, more inclusive music industry for present and future generations.