Keychange, a pioneering international initiative which encourages festivals and music organisations to achieve at least 50% women and under-represented genders in their programming and staffing, has announced an expansion of the movement in Ireland, and a panel event taking place this week.

James Foley, Lead, Editorial at Spotify UK and Ireland has been announced as a Keychange Ambassador, while a total of seven Irish organisations have now signed the Keychange gender pledge – including Choice Music Prize, Foggy Notions, The Folly @ Cullohill, Ireland Music Week, HearOne Music, Minding Creative Minds and Róisín Dubh.

“Even though the statistics on gender equality in music continue to make for bleak reading, I am ever-hopeful for change when I see the impact Keychange is having and the potential we all have to do more," says new Keychange Ambassador James Foley. "In my day to day role in the UK + Ireland music team at Spotify, I’m focused on how we can create a more equal platform, give under-represented voices a stage and open up our listener’s ears to different viewpoints.

"I'm also keenly aware that gender equality in music is intersectional and can positively address other systemic inequalities. I take seriously the commitment to affecting change and connecting people who can unlock the challenges we face in making the industry a more equal place to exist. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone involved in Keychange as an Irish ambassador and I am excited about what’s to come”.

On Thursday, February 25, at 4pm, a 'Community and Management' panel event is set to take place, focusing on the benefits of collaboration and creating a network. The event, moderated by Maxie Gedge, UK Project Manager of Keychange, and featuring panelists Lia Liegho (artist manager and Keychange participant), Ceri Dixon (artist amanger) and Ismay Bourke (music PR), will be broadcast on the Keychange Facebook page.

Today, February 23, from 4pm Angela Dorgan, Director of Ireland Music Week (who joined Keychange officially in 2018), will be hosting an 'Ask Angela' Instagram live session on the Keychange Instagram account – offering advice on the Irish market to emerging artists.

As campaigners for gender equality in the music industry, Keychange also invests in emerging talent with a yearly participation programme. Ireland's Keychange participants for 2020/21 include acts Pillow Queens, Elaine Mai, Mona-Lisa Das and SYLK, as well as Rubyworks' Shauna Watson and artist manager/video producer Lia Liegho.