Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order on Sept. 25, 2026, creating the Governor's Office of Music, a new office dedicated to highlighting Kentucky's music legacy and supporting the state's artists, venues, festivals and music businesses.
The announcement was made onstage at Bourbon & Beyond alongside state officials and music industry leaders. The executive order makes Kentucky just the second state with an office dedicated to supporting musicians and the music industry.
"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 action launched kymusic.ky.gov, which includes the Kentucky Music Industry Directory, a resource connecting artists, venues and business leaders. Artists, venues, music businesses and festivals are encouraged to register.
Beshear appointed Sebastian Kitchen, deputy secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, as executive director. "Gov. Beshear's action today is a win for our artists and our economy, energizing both with support for our musicians, venues and festivals – which are economic engines for their communities and for the commonwealth," said Kitchen. "In such a divided time, music brings people together."
The office, with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, also designed a "Kentucky: Sounds Like Home" license plate, available soon.
Kentucky's arts industry, including music, has a $6.9 billion economic impact, supporting over 51,000 jobs. According to the National Independent Venue Association, the state's independent live entertainment industry 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. Music fans attending independent shows generated $88 million in off-site spending in 2024, and venues served more than 2.1 million people.