FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Have you experienced barriers because of your gender? Do you need to build your confidence and contacts? Keychange U.S. supports exceptional talent to the next stage in their career. We will recruit 30 participants from Los Angeles, New York City, Nashville, Austin, and Atlanta and provide them will the opportunities and resources to take their career to the next level. We can help you realize your full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.
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Each selected participant will receive a travel allowance “Stipend” so they can attend our official launch/first meetup in June 2024, our final meetup in October/November 2024, and perform at one festival or speak at one conference (with ticket accreditation). Participants will also take part in an exclusive mentorship program and 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 for the entire program within one week of receiving the funds and email the KCUS team copies of your reservations. Lodging will be provided directly by KCUS. Detailed instructions and more information will be provided when you receive the welcome letter.
Overview:
A Keychange U.S. Talent Development Program virtual group meetup
Two full network in person meetups
An opportunity to perform or speak at one festival or 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 June 2024 when we launch the program, and in October/November 2024 when we conclude the program. Both meetups will last around 2-3 days.
Participants will be required to perform or speak at one festival or conference (approx. 2 days)
Participants will take part in our virtual professional development sessions on various music topics led by industry experts.
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 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 application opens on Friday, January 19, 2024 and closes on Friday, March 22, 2024. During that time you can apply on Submittable, the Grant Management Platform. You will need to create an account with Submittable to fill out the 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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I) In order to apply to the Talent Development Program, please visit the Keychange U.S. website where you will find an overview of the program, requirements, deadlines, frequently asked questions and our privacy notices.
II) We use the grant management system Submittable to collect applications, and below you will find instructions on how to log on to and navigate the platform. In order to proceed and launch the application, you must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and sign the Eligibility Form. You may apply HERE.
GUIDELINES: HOW TO USE SUBMITTABLE
TYPES OF BROWSERS AND DEVICES (Do not apply via a Mobile Phone)
The Submittable platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Internet Explorer and older versions of Edge are not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser, and that the files are valid file types. You can find the acceptable file types under the "Choose File" button on the application.
Please use a laptop or desktop computer to apply. File uploads may not work on some mobile devices. If you are unable to upload the files, please try a different browser. The Submittable platform works well with the Firefox or Chrome browsers.
You can download Firefox by following the instructions linked here.
You can download Chrome by following the instructions linked here.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR NAVIGATING THE SUBMITTABLE PLATFORM AND APPLYING
Please read all instructions before launching the application.
Start by creating a free Submittable account. You can also sign in with Google or Facebook credentials.
Save your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later time.
To make changes to your form, please withdraw your submission and resubmit.
To change your status or information after submitting the application, please request to edit the submission (this can only be done before the application deadline).
The Submittable platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. If you have any trouble uploading file uploads, please try a different browser and be sure to use a laptop or computer, not a mobile device.
Internet Explorer and older versions of Edge are not supported. Please make sure you are using a supported browser, and that the files are valid file types. You can find the acceptable file types under the "Choose File" button on the application.
We will follow up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly.
Check out the Submitter Resource Center for help videos and articles, or reach out to Submittable's Customer Support team at https://www.submittable.com/help/submitter/ with any technical questions. DO NOT CONTACT KEYCHANGE U.S. with Submittable user questions. Please give yourself enough time to prepare materials, read instructions and fill out the application ahead of the deadline, do not wait until the last day to apply. We are not responsible for internet outages, bad wifi connection, laptop malfunctioning or other glitches or circumstances that could cause you to miss the deadline, please plan accordingly.
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Friday, January 19, 2024: Application period opens on Submittable
Friday, March 22, 2024: Application period closes on Submittable
Monday, March 25 - Friday, April 26, 2024: Application Review Period
Friday, April 26, 2024: Participant Invitation emails are sent through Submittable, including a draft contract and list of required participation dates and terms
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time: Deadline for selected applicants to accept participation, confirm availability, sign the contract, and fill out required grant criteria
Tuesday, April 30, 2024: Alternate participant(s) will be contacted with an invitation to participate
Friday, May 3, 2024: Final Deadline for alternate applicant(s) to accept participation, confirm availability, sign the contract, and fill out required grant criteria
Wednesday, May 8, 2024: First Virtual Zoom with Cohort
Friday, May 10, 2024: Declined applicants will receive notification and thanks for applying
Monday, May 13, 2024: Keychange U.S. Publicly Announces Final Cohort
Monday, June 10 - Wednesday, June 12, 2024: Opening Meetup/Launch Event in NYC (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.
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