Kentucky Establishes Governor’s Office of Music

Last Friday (September 25), Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear officially established the Governor’s Office of Music. This new program will support the state’s music ecosystem through increased collaboration with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.

How it works:

• Sebastian Kitchen, Deputy Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, will be the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Music.

• The office has opened an Industry Directory where musicians, venues, promoters, and other participants in Kentucky’s music community can submit their information to be discoverable to the public.

• There is also a new designation as a “Kentucky Music Friendly Community,” which highlights cities and counties that have made certain, tangible efforts to support the music business.

• The office will also soon offer music license plates that come with a $10 donation to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund.

Background:

• The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was involved in getting this new office opened.

• This is only the second music office in the US that falls under the direct supervision of a governor’s office.

What they said:

• Beshear: “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. 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.”