Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has formally established the Governor’s Office of Music, a state body designed to support the commonwealth’s music industry through closer coordination with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet.
Announced Friday, September 25, the office is only the second music office in the United States to operate under the direct supervision of a governor’s office.
Sebastian Kitchen, Deputy Secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, will serve as Executive Director of the new office.
The office has launched an Industry Directory where musicians, venues, promoters and other members of Kentucky’s music community can submit their information for public discovery. It has also introduced the “Kentucky Music Friendly Community” designation, which recognizes cities and counties that have made tangible efforts to support the music business.
In the coming months, the office will offer music-themed license plates that include a $10 donation to the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund.
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) was involved in the creation of the office.
Beshear said: “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.”
