The Keychange Talent Leadership Programme has announced its 2026 cohort of music industry leaders, bringing together professionals from across Europe and Canada who are working to advance equity, inclusion and leadership across the music sector.
This year’s programme selected 44 participants from 255 eligible applications, representing 25 countries including the UK, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Poland, Spain, Ukraine and Armenia. The cohort reflects a broad cross-section of the music ecosystem, with participants working across live music, policy, advocacy, creative production and organisational development.
A central focus of the programme is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA). Participants were selected through a process involving 55 assessors and an independent jury, with emphasis placed on applicants demonstrating both significant industry experience and leadership in advancing inclusive practice.
The programme also builds on insights from the Keychange Pledge Report (2023–2025), which analysed data from hundreds of organisations and highlighted continuing disparities in gender representation across regions, sectors and identities within the music industry.
Among those selected for the 2026 cohort is Vahishtai Ghosh, our Equalities and Industry Development Officer at the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA). In their role at the SMIA, Vahishtai works to support inclusive, accessible and accountable practices across Scotland’s music industry through policy development, consultation and sector engagement.
Further information about the programme and the full list of participants is available via Keychange.