Kentucky’s governor announces a new “Office of Music” dedicated to highlighting the state’s storied music legacy and supporting the music industry.
Last week at Kentucky’s Bourbon & Beyond festival, Governor Andy Beshear joined state officials and music industry leaders onstage to announce the Governor’s Office of Music. The new office will focus on showcasing Kentucky’s rich music heritage and supporting local artists, venues, festivals, and music businesses.
Prior to the announcement, the governor signed an executive order creating the office to continue the commonwealth’s leadership in music for generations to come.
“Music is a part of who we are in Kentucky. We are proud of our musical heritage—from Bill Monroe and Loretta Lynn to Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton,” said Gov. Beshear. “I created the Office of Music because Team Kentucky wants to make sure our commonwealth remains a place where musicians can build a career, where venues and festivals can thrive, and where people can come together to enjoy great music.”
“The executive order makes Kentucky just the second state with an office dedicated to supporting musicians and the music industry. His executive action launched an associated website that includes the Kentucky Music Industry Directory as a resource to connect artists, venues, business leaders, and more to fuel ongoing collaboration and growth. The Kentucky Music Industry Directory encourages registration from artists, venues, music businesses, and festivals in Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear appointed Sebastian Kitchen, Deputy Secretary of the Tourism, Arts, and Heritage Cabinet, to serve as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Music.
“Gov. Beshear’s action today is a win for our artists and our economy, energizing both with support for our musicians, venues, and restivals—which are economic engines for their communities and for the commonwealth,” said Kitchen. “In such a divided time, music brings people together, as we see these two weeks as hundreds of thousands of people come together in Kentucky to listen to music, enjoy our world-class hospitality, stay in our hotels, and experience all of the reasons that make Kentucky such a great place to visit, live, and work.”
Kentucky has been a leader in music in the United States and worldwide, but the music industry has changed dramatically, creating ongoing challenges for musicians, venues, festivals, and businesses. Kentucky’s arts industry, including music, has a $6.9 billion economic impact, supporting over 51,000 jobs, boosting economic development, and creating opportunities in every corner of the state.
The independent live entertainment industry in Kentucky generates $577.3 million in economic output, $300 million in state GDP, and $27.8 million in tax revenue, employing 1,757 people and supporting 4,413 jobs, with $169 million in wages and benefits, according to the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA). Music fans attending independent shows generated $88 million in off-site spending in 2024 alone, including $73.4 million on lodging, $7.7 million at restaurants and bars, $3.8 million in shopping, and $2.1 million in gas, parking, and transportation, according to NIVA. Those venues served more than 2.1 million people.
