Governor Beshear Joins Independent Venue & Festival Leaders to Announce Kentucky Music Office, Building on Bipartisan Momentum
New partnership will grow Kentucky’s music ecosystem, boost jobs and tourism, and offer a model for states across the country
LOUISVILLE, KY (September 25, 2026) – The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and its Kentucky Chapter (NIVA Kentucky) today applauded the creation of the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office, announced today from the stage at Bourbon & Beyond, Louisville’s iconic music, food, and bourbon festival, calling it the next step in a bipartisan effort to strengthen the state’s music economy.
The office, established by Governor Andy Beshear’s executive order, builds on SB 324, sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers, which took effect July 15, 2026, with legislative support from both parties. SB 324 directs a study of the needs of Kentucky’s musicians and music venues and recommendations to support industry growth. Rep. Suzanne Miles (R-Owensboro) and Rep. DJ Johnson (R-Owensboro) also advanced music industry proposals through HB 926.
“Music is a part of who we are in Kentucky. We are proud of our musical heritage and we’re committed to investing in this industry and doing the work to ensure it remains successful for years to come,” said Governor Beshear. “The Office of Music will ensure 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.”
“Kentucky’s musical heritage runs deep—from the Everly Brothers and Loretta Lynn to Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, My Morning Jacket, and Cage the Elephant,” said Joe Argabrite, President of NIVA Kentucky. “This recognition of our industry celebrates Kentucky heritage, draws people to the Commonwealth, and supports the next generation of artists who will carry the Bluegrass State’s sound into the future. Music has always been one of our greatest cultural and economic assets. Establishing a dedicated Governor’s Music Office is a powerful step toward ensuring that legacy continues to thrive.”
Speaking about SB 324’s passage in the Senate, Senate President Robert Stivers said, “By modernizing our incentive structure, expanding eligible productions, and strengthening oversight, we are creating an environment that supports job creation, encourages investment, and showcases Kentucky to a global audience.”
“Kentucky is setting an example for the nation by backing the small businesses and nonprofits that bring their communities to life through live performance,” said Stephen Parker, Executive Director of NIVA. “Independent stages launch careers, create jobs, and give people a place to belong. NIVA Kentucky made sure their voices were heard, and Governor Beshear and lawmakers from both parties listened and turned that advocacy into action. We’re eager to see governors and lawmakers across the country follow Kentucky’s lead by establishing music and live entertainment offices that give independent stages a seat at the table.”
Stakeholders from across the state agree.
“This action supports local artists, venues, and festivals, like Master Musicians’ Festival - and creates for us, and all Kentucky’s venues and festivals, new opportunities to bring regional and national touring acts to the Commonwealth. As the director of a smaller festival in rural Kentucky, I couldn’t be more excited,” said Tiffany Finley, Executive Director of Master Musicians’ Festival in Somerset.
NIVA Kentucky supports independent venues, festivals, promoters, and the artists they nurture so musicians from every corner of the Commonwealth can build lasting careers in Kentucky. According to the 2025 Kentucky State of Live Report, these independent small businesses generate more than half a billion dollars in economic output and support thousands of jobs statewide.
“Independent venues and festivals are where careers are born and communities come together. By supporting the entire ecosystem, we can create the conditions for sustainable success for Kentucky musicians for generations to come,” said David Helmers, NIVA member and Lexington-based music business entrepreneur for more than a decade.
NIVA Kentucky looks forward to working with the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office, members of the General Assembly from both parties, and industry partners. Legislators are invited to visit a venue in their district to see the impact firsthand.
ABOUT NIVA KENTUCKY
The Kentucky Chapter of the National Independent Venue Association represents independent live performance venues, festivals, and promoters across the Commonwealth. NIVA works to build a thriving, sustainable independent live entertainment community.
ABOUT NIVA
The National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) is the nation’s live entertainment association, representing independent venues, festivals, promoters, and presenters across the United States. NIVA works to preserve and nurture the ecosystem of independent stages. NIVA empowers members and their teams with member benefits, advocacy on the state, local, and federal levels, an annual industry-leading conference, and more.
NIVA led the Save Our Stages campaign, culminating in landmark legislation in 2020 that established the $16.25 billion Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, the largest arts investment in U.S. history.
NIVA is committed to equity in its support of independent stages. It seeks to create and encourage opportunities for venues, promoters, and festivals owned, operated, and staffed by people of color, women, non-binary, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities.
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