Governor’s Office of Music
On September 25, 2026, at world-renowned Kentucky music festival Bourbon & Beyond, Governor Andy Beshear announced the creation of the Governor’s Office of Music to a crowd of tens of thousands of live music fans. Earlier that day, Governor Beshear signed Executive Order 2026-640, making Kentucky just the second state with an office dedicated to supporting musicians and the music industry.
The Governor’s Office of Music, which will maintain the Kentucky Music Industry Directory, is a resource for Kentucky artists, venues, festivals, and the many other professionals that make live music and the music industry thrive in the Commonwealth – carrying the sounds from our front porches, garages, clubs, and stages around the world – and bringing the world here for our music heritage, venues, festivals, and unmatched experiences and hospitality.
On April 23, 2026, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 324 (SB 324), directing the Kentucky Film Leadership Council to study, examine, and evaluate the needs of Kentucky’s musicians and music venues, identify opportunities and barriers, and provide strategies regarding how the Commonwealth might facilitate growth of the industry and develop partnerships across state government and this vital industry. The Governor’s Office of Music will work with the Kentucky Film Leadership Council to review the findings and results of the study and submit those to the Legislative Research Commission by November 1, 2026.
Our Mission
The mission of the Governor’s Office of Music is to ensure Kentucky continues to grow its music industry and its economic and cultural impact by cultivating, connecting, highlighting, and supporting musicians, music venues, businesses, and festivals. The Office is a resource for Kentucky artists, venues, festivals, and the many other professionals that make live music and the music industry thrive in the Commonwealth, and will advocate and implement policies to support Kentucky’s music industry.
Our Office
Sebastian Kitchen
Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Music
Deputy Secretary, Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet
Shelby Lewis
Interim Deputy Director, Governor’s Office of Music