This story first appeared in the Kentucky Lantern, an outlet of States Newsroom. It is republished here as part of a WUKY reporting partnership.
The office will do that, in part, through its Industry Directory, which hopes to “fuel ongoing collaboration and growth” and will feature artists, venues, festivals and other businesses.
The music industry in Kentucky generates a nearly $7 billion economic impact, according to the National Endowment for the Arts and Beshear’s office.
“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,” Beshear said in a Friday statement. “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.”
Sebastian Kitchen, the deputy secretary of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, will be the executive director of the new office, Beshear’s office said.
